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THE EHODODENDRON 



" AMERICAN PLANTS." 



/S ' 



THE RHODODENDRON 



AND 



" AMERICAN PLANTS." 

A TREATISE ON THE CULTURE, PROPAGATION, AND 
SPECIES OF THE RHODODENDRON; 

WITH 

CULTURAL NOTES UPON OTHER PLANTS WHICH THRIVE UNDER 

LIKE TREATMENT, AND DESCRIPTIONS OF SPECIES AND 

VARIETIES; WITH A CHAPTER UPON HERBACEOUS 

PLANTS REQUIRING SIMILAR CULTURE. 



BY 



EDWARD SPRAGUE RAND, JR., 

AUTHOR OF "FLOWERS FOR THE TAULOR AND GARDEN;" "GARDEN FLOWERS;' 
"BULBS;" "SEVENTY-FIVE FLOWERS." 




BOSTON: 

LITTLE, BROWN, AND COMPANY. 

1871. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, by 

EDWARD SPRAGUE RAND, JR. 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 



<$> 









CAMBRIDGE: 
PRESS OF JOHN WILSON AND SON. 



TO 



HENRY WINTHROP SARGENT 



AND 



H. HOLLIS HUNNEWELL, 

TO WIICV.I AMERICAN HORTICULTURE IS SO LARGELY INDEBTED, 
AND WHO FULLY APPRECIATE THE BEAUTIES OF 

" %m$xunn plants," 

THIS VOLUME IS CORDIALLY INSCRIBED. 




INTRODUCTION. 



HHE object of the present volume is to introduce 
to popular notice a class of plants which, in 
England, forms one of the most attractive orna- 
ments of the garden. They are commonly known 
as " American Plants; " as the earliest known Rho- 
dodendrons, the Kalmias, and some of the Azaleas, 
are natives of this continent. The name has, how- 
ever, been extended to embrace many other plants 
that require the same general culture, but which 
are not indigenous to America. 

It is a singular and most unaccountable fact that 
these plants are in this country but little known in 
cultivation. 

The hillsides, from Massachusetts to Virginia, 
are glorious masses of the Mountain Laurel (Kal- 
mia) ; and all through the Middle States, and up 
the slopes of the Alleghanies, we find thousands of 
acres of the Rose Bay, or " Great Laurel" (Rhodo- 



Viii INTRODUCTION. 

dendron). Yet seldom is a plant of either to be 
found in the garden ! There is a popular belief that 
these plants " cannot be cultivated." 

In spring we eagerly buy the spicy blossoms of 
the May Flower (Epigaea), yet never think we 
may have it blooming in perfection in our shrub- 
beries. 

Popular opinion says it " cannot be grown in 
gardens;" and there we rest, without trying the 
experiment. 

To show that these plants can be grown as easily 
as any others is the purpose in the following pages. 

The species we may find wild in our woods are 
beautiful enough to merit every attention, but we 
are by no means limited to these. 

The skill of the hybridist, exercised during a score 
of years, has created a wealth of floral beauty in 
Rhododendrons and Azaleas. 

We may have masses of bloom of almost any 
color and shade, and combinations and contrasts 
innumerable. 

To those who have seen the magnificent displays 
of these plants at Wodenethe, the charming resi- 
dence of H. W. Sargent, or at Wellesley, the magni- 
ficent estate of H. Hollis Hunnewell, no word of 
ours in praise of their beauty will be needed. 

In our own culture, at Glen Ridge, we have not 
been unsuccessful ; and although our experience is 



INTRODUCTION. IX 

limited to the past ten years, the results have been 
so eminently satisfactory as to excite most sanguine 
hopes for the future. 

Our collection of hybrid varieties of Catawbiense 
Rhododendrons is probably larger than any in the 
country, and is yearly largely increased for the pur- 
pose of experimenting as to their hardiness. 

These plants are attractive at all seasons: in 
flower they are magnificent, in foliage they excel 
any evergreen. 

They can be grown as easily as lilacs, and bloom 
quite as freely. 

In the arrangement of the following pages, Part I. 
is purely cultural ; Part II. comprises a list of the 
species of Rhododendron, and also a selection of 
hybrid Catawbiense varieties. To give a full list of 
these latter would be almost impossible : some Eng- 
lish catalogues contain hundreds of varieties, and 
often but very few of these will be common to any 
two catalogues. 

We have in every case, where possible, referred to 
a colored illustration of the flower, where one was 
to be found in any book generally accessible ; and 
have, in the list of books quoted, stated where in 
this vicinity they could be found. 

Part III. treats of Azaleas, Kalmias, and other 
plants which resemble Rhododendrons, and thrive 
under similar culture. This list has been extended 



X INTRODUCTION. 

to include many plants not generally known, and 
seldom found in gardens. Of most of these we 
write from experience, and can urge their cultiva- 
tion. Many are low -growing, and suited for an 
undergrowth in shrubberies, or as a covering for 
the surface soil in Rhododendron-beds. 

All are very desirable, and, if not to be obtained 
in this country, can be easily imported with but 
little expense. 

In Part IV . we have given brief descriptions of 
plants which grow well in Rhododendron-beds. 

We would strongly urge their cultivation, as they 
add much to the attractions of the shrubbery ; and 
thus we are enabled to grow many botanical treas- 
ures which never find place in the herbaceous 
border. 

This chapter is, however, only a condensation of 
a portion of a volume on " Herbaceous Plants," 
which we hope soon to lay before the public. 

To all who would obtain large floral results, with 
but little effort, we would say : " Grow Rhododen- 
drons, and other American Plants : they are always 
beautiful, pleasing alike in evergreen foliage and in 
gorgeous bloom." 

Glen Ridge, February, 1871. 




CONTENTS. 



Dedication 

Introduction 

List of Botanical Works referred to 



v 
vii 
xv 



PART I. 

CULTURE OF THE RHODODENDRON. 
CHAPTER I. 

Preparation of Soil. Planting. Mulching. Manuring. Prun- 
ing. Transplanting. Treatment after Flowering. Diseases. 
Insect Enemies. Winter Protection. Importing and Pro- 
curing Plants. Standard Rhododendrons. Dwarf Rhodo- 
dendrons °~* 



Indoor Culture, 
lor Plants . . 



CHAPTER II. 

Rhododendron Houses. Forcing. 



As Par- 
29-32 



Xli CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER III. 

Propagation. Layers. Cuttings. Inarching. Seed. Hybrid- 
ization 33-39 



CHAPTER IV. 

Comparative Hardiness. Houses for Winter Protection. 
Grouping 39-48 



PAET II. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 

Rhododendron ponticum and varieties. Rhododendron maxi- 
mum and varieties. R. dauricum. R. californicum. R. 
arboreum and varieties. R. albiflorum. R. anthopogon. 
R. campanulatum. R. caucasicum and varieties. R. ehry- 
santhum. R. punctatum. R. hirsutum. R. ferrugineum. 
R. lapponicum. R. kamtschatieum. R. cbamajcistus. Sikkim 
Rhododendrons. R. Dalhousise. R. barbatum. R. lanci- 
folium. R. Wallichii. R. Campbelliie. R. Roylii. R. 
cinnabarinum. R. elaeagnoides. R. argenteum. R. Fal- 
coneri. R. vaccinioides. R. niveum. R. obovatum. R. 
lepidotum. R. Aucklandii. R. Tliomsoni. R. pendulum. 
R. pumilum. R. Ilodgsoni. R. lanatum. R. glaucum. R. 
Maddeni. R. triflorum. R. setosum. R. Edgeworthi. R. 
seruginosum. R. salignemn. R. ciliatum. R. fulgens. 
R. nivale. R. virgatum. R. Wightii. R. camelliasflorum. 
R. candelabrum. R. campylocarpum. R. Nilagiricum. 
R. formosum. R. Gibsoni. R. javanicum. R. citrinum. 
R. jasmininorum. R. Champioiue. R. Farrerae. R. Met- 
terniehi. R. album. R. Batemani. R. blandtbrdianum. 
R. Boothii. R. Brookianum. R. calophyllum. R. grande. 



CONTENTS. x ijj 

R. GrifBthianum. R. Hookeri. R. Kendrickii. R. Keysii. 
R. moulmaynense. R. Sheplierdii. R. NuttaUii. R. 
retusum. R. Smithii. R. Veichianum. R. Windsorii. 
R. Lobbianum. R. Thibaudiense. R. Fortuni. Hybrid 
varieties. R. Aprilis. R. alstromerioides. R. Wilsoni. 
R. precox. R. Prince of Wales (Rollinsons). R. carneum. 
R. Cartoni. R. caucasicum arboreuin. R. Denisoni. R. 
album speciosum. R. Sesterianum. R. Princess Alexandra. 
R. Princess Helena. R. Princess Alice. R. Madame Van 
Houtte. R. Othello (Van Houtte). R. Grand Due de 
Bade. R. Madame Wagner. R. Madame Picouline. R. 
omniguttatum. R. myrtifblium. R. fragrans. R. hvbridum. 
R. Govenianum. R. Torlonianum. R. arboreum cinnamo- 
meum. R. Comtesse Ferdinand Visant. R. daphnoides. 
R. ovatum. R. Countess of Haddington. R. aureum mag- 
ninenm. R. Catawbiense. Catawbiense Hybrids, List of 
Select Varieties 49-110. 



PART III. 

OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 

Plants thriving under Similar Culture with Rhodo- 
dendrons, COMMONLY KNOWN AS " AMERICAN PLANTS." 

I. The Azalea, culture and species of. — II. The Rhodora. 

III. The Loiseleuria. — IV. TheKalmia. — V. The Ledum. 

— VI. The Leiophyllum. — VII. The Menziesia. — VIII. 
The Phyllodoce. — IX. The Calluna. — X. The Gypsocallis. 

— XL The Cassiope.— XH. The Arctostaphylos. — XIII. 
The Epigaea. — XIV. The Gaultheria. — XV. The Chio- 
genes. — XVI. The Linnaea. — XVII. The Mitehella. — 
XVIII. The Empetrum.— XIX. The Vaceineum. — XX. 
The Leucothoe.— XXI. The Cassandra. — XXII. The 
Zenobia. — XXIII. The Andromeda. — XXIV. The 



XIV 



CONTENTS. 



Daphne. — XXV. The Skimmia. — XXVI. The Pernettya. 
— XXVII. The Hypericum.— XXVIII. The Polygala.— 
XXIX. The Pyrola. — XXX. The Moneses. — XXXI. 
The Chimaphila 113-150 



PART IV. 

HERBACEOUS PLANTS ADAPTED FOR CULTURE 
IN RHODODENDRON-BEDS. 

I. The Hepatica. — II. The Sanguinaria. — III. The Jeffer- 
sonia. — IV. The Caltha. — V. The Dentaria. — VI. The 
Anemone.— VII. The Claytonia. — VIII. The Seilla. — 
IX. The Camassia. — X. The Oxalis. — XL The Erythro- 
hium. — XII. The Arissema. — XIII. The Pachysandra. — 
XIV. The Dodecatheon. — XV. The Trientalis. — XVI. 
The MiteUa. — XVII. The Tiarella. —XVIII. The Helonias. 

— XIX. The Clintonia. — XX. The Cornus. — XXI. The 
Convallaria. — XXII. The Ficaria. — XXIII. The Ranun- 
culus. — XXIV. The Hellebore. — XXV. The Epimedium, 

— XXVI. The Cypripedium. — XXVII. The Trillium.— 
XXVIII. The Lily 153-176 




LIST 



OF 



ILLUSTRATED BOTANICAL WORKS REFERRED TO. 



Abbreviations. 
Bos. Atuje. . . . 
Bos. Pub. Lib. . . 
Bos. Nat. His. Soc. 
E. S. R. Jr. . . . 
Mass. Hort. Soc. . 
Har. Col 



Library of Boston Athenaeum. 

Library of City of Boston. 

Library of Boston Society of Natural History. 

Library of Eclw. S. Band, Jr. 

Library of Massachusetts Horticultural Society. 

Library of Harvard College. 



And. Rep. 



Barton, Fl. 



Barton, Med. . 



Andrews, The Botanist's Repository. 

London, 1797-1811. 10 vols. 4to. 

Col. PI. 1-664. 
Lib. E. S. R. Jr. 
Barton, A Flora of North America. 

Philadelphia, 1821-23. 3 vols. 4to. 

Col. PL 1-106. 
Lib. E. S. R. Jr. ; Bos. Athoe. 
Barton, Medical Botany of the 

United States. Philadelphia, 1817- 

18. 2 vols. 4to. Col. PI. 1-50. 
Lib. Mass. Hort, Soc. ; Lib. E. S. R. 

Jr. ; Bos. Atha3. 



XVI 



LIST OF WORKS REFERRED TO. 



Bax. Brit. Bot. 



Big. Med. 



Bot. Mag. . . 



Bot. Reg. 



Baxter, British Phscnogamous Bot- 
any. London, 1834—43. 6 vols. 
8vo. Col. PI. 1-509. 

Lib. Mass. Hort. Soc. and E. S. R. Jr. 

Bigelow, American Medical Botany. 
Boston, 1817-20. 3 vols. 4to. 
Col. PL 1-60. 

Lib. E. S. R. Jr.; Lib. Bos. Nat. 
His. Soc. ; Bos. Athae. 

Curtis, Botanical Magazine. Lon- 
don, 1783-1871. 96 vols. 8vo. 
Series I. : vols. 
„ II. 

„ HI. 
Col. PL 1-5877. 
Lib. Mass. Hort. Soc. and E. S. R. 

Jr. ; Lib. Bos. Nat. His. Soc. ; 

Bos. Atha3. ; Bos. Pub. Lib. ; Har. 

Col. 
Edwards, The Botanical Register. 

London, 1815-47. 33 vols. Royal 

8vo. 
Vols. 1-23. Col. PL 1-2014. 
Vol. 24. 1838. Col. PI. 1-68. 



1-53. 
vols. 53-70. 
vols. 71-96 and con. 



Vol. 25. 


1839. 


,, „ 1-69. 


Vol. 26. 


1840. 


, „ 1-71. 


Vol. 27. 


1841. 


, „ 1-70. 


Vol. 28. 


1842. 


, „ 1-69. 


Vol. 29. 


1843. 


, ,, 1-66. 


Vol. 30. 


1844. , 


, ,, 1-67. 


Vol. 31. 


1845. , 


, „ 1-69. 


Vol. 32. 


1846. 


, „ 1-69. 


Vol. 33. 


1847. 


, ,, 1-70. 



In all . . . 2702 plates. 
Lib. of Mass. Hort. Soc. and E. S. 
R. Jr. ; and Bos. Nat. His. Soc. ; 
Bos. Pub. Lib. 



LIST OF WORKS REFERRED TO. xvii 

Eng. Bot Smith & Sowekby, English Botany. 

London, 1790-1814. 30 vols. 8vo. 

Col. PI. 1-2592. 
Supplement by Hooker. London, 

1831-55. 5 vols. Col. PL 2593- 

2995. 
Lib. Mass. Hort. Soc. 
New Edition, arranged according to 

natural system. London, 1863-70. 

Vols. 1-10, and continued. Royal 

8vo. Col. PL 1-1515. 
Lib. E. S. R. Jr. 
Fl. des Ser. . . . Van Houtte, Flore des Serres et 

des Jardins de TEurope. 18 vols. 

Gand, 1845-1871, and continued. 

Col. PL 1-1926. 
Lib. Mass. Hort. Soc. and E. S. R. Jr. 
Fl. Mag Moore, The Floral Magazine. Lon- 
don, 1861-71. 9 vols. 8vo. Col. 

PL 1-512, and continued. 
Lib. Mass. Hort. Soc. andE. S. R. Jr. 
Florist The Florist. 1st Series. London, 

1848-62. 14 vols. 12mo. Col. PL— 

2d Series. London, 1862-67. 6 vols. 

Royal 8vo. 144 Col. PL — 3d 

Series. 1868-71, and continued. 

3 vols. Royal 8vo. 36 Col. PL 
Lib. Mass. Hort. Soc. and E. S. R. Jr. 
Hen. Illus. Bou. . Henderson, The Illustrated Bou- 
quet. London, 1857-64. 3 vols. 

4to. Col. PL 1-85. 
Lib. Mass. Hort. Soc. 
Hook. Ex Hooker, Exotic Flora. Edinburgh, 

1823-27. 3 vols. 8vo. Col. PL 

1-232. 
Lib. Mass. Hort. Soc. ; Bos. Nat. 

His. Soc. ; Bos. Pub. Lib. 



XV111 



LIST OF WORKS REFERRED TO. 



Hook. Fl. Bor. Am. 



Hook. Rhod. . . 



Illus. Hort. . . 



Lem. Jar. . . . 



Lodd. Cab. 



Maud. Bot. 



Mich. Arb. . . . 



Hooker, Flora Boreali-Amerlcana. 
London, 1833-40. 2 vols. 4to. 
PL 1-238. 

Lib. E. S. R. Jr. ; Bos. Nat. His. 
Soc. ; Bos. Pub. Lib. ; Bos. Athse. 

Joseph D. Hooker, The Rhododen- 
drons of Sikkim Himalaya. Lon- 
don, 1849-55. 1vol. folio. PI. 1-30. 

Lib. Mass. Hort. Soc. and E. S. R. 
Jr. ; Bos. Nat. His. Soc. 

Lemaire, L'lllustration Horticole. 
Gand, 1854-71. 17 vols. 8vo. 
1st Series, vols. 1-10, 1854-63. 
Col. PI. 1-386. 2d Series, vols. 
11—17, and continued. Col. PI. 
387-550. 

Lib. Mass. Hort. Soc. and E. S. R. Jr. 

Lemaire, Le Jardin Fleuriste. Gand, 
1851-54. 4 vols. 8vo. Col. PI. 
1-430. 

Lib. E. S. R. Jr. 

Loddige, The Botanical Cabinet. 
London, 1818-33. 20 vols. L. P. 
square 8vo. Col. PI. 1-2000. 

Lib. E. S. R. Jr. ; Lib. Har. Col. ; 
Bos. Pub. Lib. 

Maund, The Botanist. London, 1839- 
44. 5 vols. L. P. small 4to. Col. 
PI. 1-250. 

Lib. E. S. R. Jr. 

Michaux, The North American 
Sylva. Philadelphia, 1857. 3 vols. 
L. P. Royal 8vo. Col. PI. 1-156. 
Continued by Nuttall, 3 vols, uni- 
form with above. Col. PI. 1-121. 

Lib. E. S. R. Jr. ; Mass. Hort. Soc. ; 
Bos. Soc. Nat. His. ; Bos. Pub. 
Lib. ; Bos. Athae. 



LIST OF WORKS REFERRED TO. xix 

Pax. Fl. G. ... Paxtox, The Flower Garden. Lon- 
don, 1850-53. 3 vols. 4to. Col. 
PL 1-106. 
Lib. Mass. Hort. Soc. andE. S. R. Jr. 
Pax. Mag Paxtox, Magazine of Botany. Lon- 
don, 1834-49. 16 vols. 8vo. Col. 
PL 48 in each vol., in all 7G8. 
Lib. Mass. Hort. Soc. and E. S. R. 
Jr. ; Bos. Athae. 

Pursh, Fl Puesh, Flora Americas Septentrion- 

alis. London, 1814. 2 vols. 8vo. 
24 plain and colored plates. 
Lib. E. S. R. Jr. 

Rev. Hoiit Revue Horticole. Paris, 1855-71, 

and continued. 16 vols. 1855-65, 
24 colored plates in each vol. ; 
1865-71, 52 colored plates in each 
vol. 
Lib. Mass. Hort. Soc. and E. S. R. Jr. 
Sieb. Fl. Jap. . . . Siebold, Flora Japonica. 2 vols. 

folio. Vol. I. Lugd. Bat, 1835-44. 
PL 1-127. 
Lib. Mass. Hort. Soc. andE. S. R. Jr. 
Vol. II. do. 1870. PL 128-150. 
Lib. Mass. Hort. Soc. 
Steph. Med. . . . Stephenson, Medical Botany. Lon- 
don, 1834-36. 3 vols. 8vo. Col. 
PL 1-185. 
Lib. E. S. R. Jr. 
Sweet, Fl. G. . . Sweet, The British Flower Garden. 

London, 1823-29. 3 vols. 8vo. 
Col. PL 1-300. — 2d Series. Lon- 
don, 1831-38. 4 vols. 8vo. Col. 
PL 1-452. 
Lib. Mass. Hort. Soc. and E. S. R. 
Jr. ; Bos. Pub. Lib. 



XX 



LIST OF WORKS REFERRED TO. 



Sweet, Orn. G. . 



Torr. N. Y. . . 



Wight, Ic. 



Wight, III. 



Wood. Med. . . 



Sweet, The Ornamental Flower Gar- 
den. London, 1854. 4 vols. 8vo. 
Col. PL 288. 

Lib. E. S. R. Jr. 

Torrey, Flora of the State of New 
York. Albany, 1843. 2 vols. 4to. 
Col. PL 1-161. 

Lib. E. S. R. Jr. 

Wight, Icones Plantarum Indiae 
Orientalis. Madras, 1838-53. 6 
vols. 4to. PL 1-2101. 

Lib. Mass. LTort. Soc. and E. S. R. Jr. 

Wight, Illustrations of Indian Bot- 
any. Madras, 1838-48. 2 vols. 
4to. Col. PL 1-182. 

Lib. E. S. R. Jr. 

Woodville, Medical Botany. Lon- 
don, 1832. 5 vols. 4to. Vols. 1-4, 
Col. PL 1-274; vol. 5, Col. PL. 
1-39. 




PART 1. 

CULTURE OP THE RHODODENDRON. 




THE RHODODENDRON. 



PART I. 

CULTURE OF THE RHODODENDRON. 



CHAPTER I. 

PREPARATION OF THE SOIL. 

'THHE highest aim in the cultivation of a plant is 
-*■ to grow it in such a manner as to attain the 
most perfect results. Careless culture, though some- 
times partially successful, in most cases brings dis- 
appointment. 

To grow a plant well, requires a study of its 
peculiarities, and adaptations to suit them. 

There are, in plant culture, certain general rules 
which can never be transgressed: these are usu- 
ally understood. There are also many lesser points 
to be observed, too often wholly ignored, but they 
contribute greatly to success, which is often in direct 
ratio with their observance. 

The Rhododendron requires careful culture. To 
those who are not willing to give it, we say, Do not 



THE RHODODENDRON. 



attempt to grow Rhododendrons ; yet, so doing, you 
give up one of the most beautiful of plants, one of 
the most glorious ornaments of the garden, which 
more richly repays the care it requires than any 
plant we can mention. Let us not, however, be 
misunderstood. After the first planting, that being 
well done, the Rhododendron requires less attention 
than any other plant; but this preparation of the 
soil is of primary importance. 

We are aware that in this we differ from some 
cultivators, who maintain that Rhododendrons will 
do well in any garden soil. This is true in a degree ; 
for the plants will live, grow, and bloom in any deep 
loam not containing lime ; but they will not, under 
this culture, attain the highest perfection, either of 
foliage or flower. 

The Rhododendron is a native of swamps, of 
shady mountain sides, or of deep ravines, usually 
on the banks of mountain streams. In these situa- 
tions it forms impenetrable thickets or jungles, the 
plant attaining great size, the boughs bending down 
and rooting by natural layers, producing in the 
Middle and Southern States the nearest approach 
our flora can make to a tropical jungle. 

Some species are found in mountain swamps, 
occasionally in high latitudes, but always in moist 
situations. 

The natural habitat of the plants gives us the first 
requisite for their successful culture, — a moist soil. 
The roots of all the species, except perhaps some 
of the epiphytal kinds of the Himalaya Mountains, 
are fine and hair-like ; and drought is certain death. 



PKEPARATION OF THE SOIL. 5 

In a wild state, they grow most luxuriantly in a 
peaty loam, formed by the debris of decayed vege- 
table matter, such as wood and leaves, with an 
admixture of disintegrated rocks, and generally in 
a shady situation. These conditions we must, in a 
measure, imitate in cultivation. 

It is a singular fact that cultivation has in some 
plants produced greater abundance of bloom and 
luxuriance of growth than they ever exhibit in their 
native haunts. This has especially been shown with 
some of the orchids of India and South America. 

The fact is, to some extent, true of Rhododendrons ; 
many species producing in our gardens larger and 
finer flowers than in their wild state. 

In preparing for Rhododendrons, the situation of 
the bed is of primary importance. The plants will do 
well in any exposure, but they naturally love shade ; 
and a northern hill-side is the best place for the bed. 
Our largest plantations are on a steep hill, sloping to 
the north-west, and exposed to the full fury of the 
winter storms. In such a situation not only do the 
hardy varieties do well, but even some kinds, con- 
sidered tender in England, stand the winter unin- 
jured. 

In a southern exposure the foliage is seldom as 
fine as where the plants are sheltered from the full 
sun, though they sometimes set more bloom. A 
large bed on our lawn stood uninjured the parch- 
ing summer of 1870, and is now in fine health, with a 
promise of abundant bloom for the coming year. 
The roots, however, never became dry, as the bed 
was kept moist by heavy mulching. 



6 THE RHODODENDRON. 

The test was, nevertheless, a very severe one, as 
the bed was made by filling in an old gravel pit ; 
and the location was so hot and dry, that large 
white pines, growing naturally close by, perished 
from drought. 

The fact that the Rhododendron thrives on a 
northern exposure should of itself be a great incen- 
tive to its cultivation. What country place is there 
which has not a bare northern slope, some cold 
exposure where "nothing will grow"? Yet in 
such a situation Rhododendrons will thrive ; change 
it to a gorgeous mass of bloom in June, and give a 
glorious show of rich evergreen foliage all the rest of 
the year. Who will say the result is not worth the 
necessary labor of preparation? And if we wish 
flowers after the Rhododendrons, plant a few moun- 
tain-laurel (Kalmia latifolici) for succession, and 
here and there dot in bulbs of our noble American 
lilies (Liliwm superbum and canadense), with a few 
clumps of the purple martagon, all of which bloom 
magnificently ; and around the edges of the clumps 
cultivate a host of the more dwarf-growing species 
of our native plants which love a peat soil, such as 
cypripediums, trilliums, and others, even to the 
Christmas rose (Helleborus niger), to bloom often 
to the dawn of New Year's morning. 

We do not appreciate the wealth of our American 
flora, and have shut our eyes to the richness which 
lies around us. In England, a crowning glory of 
horticultural exhibitions is the show of " American 
plants;" and we in America do not know what they 
are. 



PREPARATION OF THE SOIL. 7 

The situation of the bed chosen, the first labor is 
excavation. If the surface is level, the soil should 
be removed to a depth of four feet, at least ; if the 
soil is a dry gravel, another foot may be taken out 
advantageously. 

Be the shape of the bed what it may, the soil 
should be picked out underneath the sides, as much 
as can be done without letting down the surface, in 
order that the soil around the sides may not be 
drained by the surrounding gravel. If the soil is a 
strong loam, and the subsoil clay, of such a nature 
that the water will not run off, loose stones to the 
depth of a few inches should be laid in the bottom 
of the bed, and a blind drain be laid to carry off 
surplus water : this, however, will rarely be neces- 
sary. The primary rule in Rhododendron culture is 
to keep the bed ahvays moist, never very wet, never 
very dry ; for either extreme is injurious. 

The bed excavated, fill in old litter, pine needles, 
leaves, or stubble, to the depth of two feet ; spread 
this, letting it lay loosely ; the soil, in filling, will 
press it down to a thickness of about six inches. 
This will keep the bed from draining too rapidly, 
and will in decaying furnish rich food for the roots, 
when in the course of years they reach it. 

It must be borne in mind that the Rhododendron 
is not a deep-rooting plant, — the upper soil, if kept 
moist, will supply every need of the roots ; but it is 
to insure this moisture that so deep a bed is recom- 
mended. 

In our own experience it has been necessary, for 
all our beds are dug out of loose gravel hills. 



8 THE RHODODENDRON. 

Where the soil is of a different nature such excava- 
tion may not be necessary, and in this each must be 
his own judge. 

There is some difference of opinion as to the best 
compost for the beds. The component parts are 
peat, loam, and sand: the proportions, however, 
need not be exact. 

Probably no two of our beds have been prepared 
in exactly the same way, and yet in all the plants 
have done perfectly well. As a general rule, we 
have found a compost of five loads peat, five loads 
loam, one load sharp sand, to be the best. 

Where peat is not easily obtained, it will be suf- 
ficient to fill only the upper two feet of the bed with 
the compost, the rest of the bed being good loam. 

By peat we mean the dark, black soil, composed 
of decayed vegetable matter, often fibrous, but never 
hard. It should be dug out in summer, and spread 
in thin piles for exposure to the action of the winter's 
frost. In spring it will be of a loose and crumbling 
texture, and ready for use. It should not be used 
fresh, as it is then hard and sour : the more the frost 
works upon it the better it is. 

If it is difficult to find peat, meadow mud, leaf 
mould from old woods, or any well-rotted vegetable 
compost, may be substituted. 

Our first Rhododendron bed was made wholly of 
soil obtained from an old wood, where the mountain- 
laurel (Kalmici) grew naturally, by scooping it out 
from among the roots of the trees, and carting it 
four miles. 

The loam should be good garden soil, free from 



PREPARATION OF THE SOIL. 9 

stones. Old sods are a good filling for the lower 
part of a bed: care should be taken, however, not to 
use any containing couch grass, as the roots of this 
grass find the surface from a great depth, and are 
eradicated with great difficulty. 

Any good clean sand, if free from stones and salt, 
is suitable : common building sand will answer every 
purpose. 

Our mode of filling a bed is as follows : Three 
heaps of peat, loam, and sand, respectively, are made 
near the bed ; two men, with long-handled shovels, 
fill from them, one throwing from the pile of peat, 
the other from the pile of loam, and in every eight 
or ten shovelfuls sprinkling in one of sand. The 
compost is thrown up against one side of the bed. 
which is raised to its full height, and the bed is thus 
gradually filled. Thus we have often planted one 
end of a bed before the other was filled. 

This mode insures a thorough mixing of the com- 
ponent parts, and in beds thus made we have found 
the plants succeed much better than where the com 
post was mixed previously to filling. 

Two of our largest beds are on a very steep hill 
facing the north-west, and their construction differs 
somewhat from the mode we have given. 

The bed was first marked out on the surface as a 
large oval about midw x ay down the hill, the object 
being to look down upon the plants when in bloom, 
which is always desirable if possible. The excava- 
tion was begun by digging out the soil to the depth 
of four feet along the upper side of the bed, and 
piling it along the lower side. This course was pur- 

l* 



10 THE RHODODENDRON. 

sued, always pushing the soil out from the upper to 
the lower side, until an oval plateau was formed, 
just the size of the proposed bed, but everywhere 
four feet below the level of the upper line where the 
excavation was begun. 

The whole bed was then filled in with soil pre- 
pared as we have described, four feet deep, so that 
a large level bed extended out at an angle to the 
hill-side. The heavy banks at the sides and lower 
part were then sodded, and the bed was ready for 
planting. 

This is a most satisfactory mode of making a 
bed, and we should recommend it to every one who 
has a northern hill-side. It utilizes and beautifies a 
place where little else will grow, and the plants are 
more effective both in foliage and flower from their 
position. We should not advise such a treatment 
of a southerly slope, as the plants would probably 
suffer from the sun both in summer and winter. 



PLANTING. 

The bed being prepared, a few days should be 
allowed for the soil to settle to the level of the sur- 
rounding ground ; then planting should begin. The 
time should be about the first of May in the latitude 
of Boston, but we have often varied it a fortnight 
earlier or later. If the plants have been imported, 
they will have come close packed in the cases, every 
interstice being filled with moss. In unpacking, the 
branches should all be carefully straightened out, 
and the plants, which always come with good balls 



PLANTING. 11 

of earth, placed in a covered, open shed, not exposed 
to the sun. 

As soon as unpacked, they should be well watered 
overhead with a coarse-rosed water-pot, which will 
clean and freshen the foliage and moisten the balls. 
In this position they may be left for weeks without 
injury, moss being placed over the balls to prevent 
undue evaporation, and occasional waterings being 
given. It is, however, better to plant them within 
a few days after unpacking, if the weather is settled 
and favorable. 

Plants obtained from nurseries in this country 
may be planted as soon as received. 

There is nothing more simple than planting Rho- 
dodendrons. The plants have fine thread-like roots, 
which seize hold of and retain the soil ; thus, unless 
very carelessly packed, they always come with good 
balls, and our only care is to place these balls in 
congenial soil. 

A hole proportioned to the size of the ball should 
be dug in the prepared bed, the plant set as deep as it 
was before (or if a little deeper it will do no harm), 
the earth filled in and firmly pressed around the ball. 

Waterings should not be given after planting : the 
balls having been well moistened after unpacking, 
the soil of the bed will be wet enough to keep the 
plants in good condition. Newly imported plants 
should be set rather close, so that the leaves almost 
touch, that during the first summer and winter they 
may protect each other. 

All planting, however, must be done with an eye 
to the ultimate appearance of the bed. Thus, a bed 



12 THE RHODODENDRON. 

large enough for ten Rhododendrons of moderate 
size may the first season contain a hundred. The 
next spring, however, every other one should be 
removed, and so on year after year. 

In the first planting, care must be taken to so 
arrange the plants which are to remain permanently, 
that future transplanting may be avoided. This is 
easily done by first setting them out in position, and 
then filling in the others. 

After planting, the surface of the bed should be 
raked smooth, and prepared for 

MULCHING. 

We have said the Rhododendron is a surface-root- 
ing plant, and therefore one great aim in cultivation 
should be to keep the surface-soil moist. In old 
beds, where the plants are masses of foliage, no ray 
of sun will ever reach the ground, and the soil sel- 
dom becomes dry. 

In new plantations we must prevent undue evap- 
oration by mulching. The best mulch is spent tan, 
which may be obtained at any tannery for a few 
dollars a cord. It is cool and moist, the best pre- 
ventive of evaporation, furnishes nutriment to the 
roots as it decays, and accords in color so well with 
the dark foliage of the plants as to produce a charm- 
ing eifect. 

The tan should be spread evenly over the surface 
of the bed from one to three inches deep, according 
to the exposure of the bed to the sun. It should be 
applied by the middle of May, before the surface has 



MANURING. 13 

had time to dry, and will not require renewal oftener 
than once in three years. 

This mulching of tan seems particularly adapted 
to the plant : it is not infrequent for branches which 
chance to be bent down and covered with the tan 
to strike root ; and we have many plants from such 
accidental layers. 

Where tan cannot be procured, pine needles are 
the best mulch. These should be spread about two 
inches deep, and will last undecayed for years. 

Oak leaves, or leaves of other deciduous trees, may 
be used where nothing better can be obtained ; but 
they are objectionable, because they blow away, and 
give the bed and its surroundings a slovenly, ill-kept 
appearance. 

Sawdust is too fine and close, preventing the access 
of air to the roots, which (as far as we can judge 
from our own experience), is of vital importance to 
Rhododendrons . 

The coarse chippings from a boring machine 
would probably serve a good purpose if nothing 
better can be obtained. Meadow hay and litter are 
objectionable, as containing seeds of weeds and 
grasses, and forming a fermenting, decaying mass, 
injurious to the roots of the plants. 

MANURING. 

If the bed has been carefully prepared as we have 
directed, it will need no manuring. 

Every thing of a stimulating, heating nature is 
injurious. 



14 THE RHODODENDRON. 

It is the best policy to do the work well at first, 
and then no further enriching of the soil will be 
needed. The roots of all "American Plants" feed 
on thoroughly decomposed vegetable matter. This 
we supply in abundance in the peat, of which the 
bed is composed, and as long as this nutriment lasts 
no more need be provided. It is, of course, within 
the range of possibility that in time, in old beds, 
this supply may be exhausted, and then a top dress- 
ing of peat, leaf mould, or even well-rotted stable 
manure, may be beneficially applied. Special ma- 
nures, certainly any containing lime, would probably 
prove injurious. 

Our own beds, some of which are ten years old, 
and contain plants twice that age, have never had a 
shovelful of manure of any kind, except what may 
have been derived from decaying tan, and are in 
vigorous health, growing stronger every year. 

Where Rhododendrons are suffering for want of 
proper nutriment, the ground may be enriched ; but 
all manure should be well rotted and thoroughly 
decomposed before application. 

With liquid manures we have had no experience : 
we should, however, judge them to be of too stimu- 
lating a nature, and likely to prove injurious. 

A mixture of charcoal with the soil is said to 
give intensity to the colors of the flowers. We see 
no reason to doubt the statement ; but in view of the 
brilliancy of color in some of the varieties of recent 
origin, we see no need of such extraneous assist- 
ance. 



PRUNING. 15 



PRUNING 



May be performed freely when necessary. It was 
once thought that Rhododendrons could not bear 
pruning ; but, on the contrary, they bear it remark- 
ably well. We have had large plants, which were 
accidentally broken or cut down by the frost, pro- 
duce young shoots as freely as rose-bushes, from 
wood an inch in diameter. As a fact, Rhododen- 
drons need very little pruning : in growth they are 
symmetrical, and when left to themselves make such 
beautiful plants, that any attempts to prune them into 
formal shapes would prove wholly at variance with 
good taste. 

Some tall-growing varieties, such as R. Cataw- 
biense album eleg-ans, need to be cut in when they 
grow too high. This may be freely done in early 
spring, or immediately after flowering. 

We prefer, however, to rub out the terminal buds 
of shoots that would grow too high, just before the 
buds begin to swell in the spring. 

When in bloom, Rhododendrons may be freely 
cut ; the only care to be observed being to cut in 
such a way as not to injure the symmetry of the 
plant, or to leave bare places where there is no grow- 
ing bud coming on to fill up the gap. 

Standard plants occasionally need pruning ; but, 
by a little care in rubbing out buds, the knife will 
seldom be needed for Rhododendrons. 



16 THE RHODODENDRON. 



TRANSPLANTING. 

This is an easy process, and with a little care may 
always be successfully performed. We have said 
that the fine rootlets of the Rhododendron hold a 
mass of soil, so that the plants always " lift with a 
ball." 

The only care is not to break the ball or to allow 
the rootlets to become dry. With these precautions 
Rhododendrons may be transplanted to any distance, 
and left out of the ground for a long time without 
danger of loss. 

The season for transplanting is any time when the 
plant is not in growth. The Rhododendron makes 
its annual growth and ripens its wood in a few weeks 
in summer. 

In most species, the growth is contemporaneous 
with, or closely succeeds, the flowering period ; that 
is, with hardy kinds, from the middle of May to the 
middle of July, according to the species. 

In a comparatively short time the growth is made, 
and the remainder of the summer the plants are 
forming the flowers or leaf-buds, and ripening the 
wood for the next year. By the middle of July we 
can usually tell how well the plants are to bloom the 
following June. 

Some varieties often make a second growth ; and, 
indeed, where the autumn is warm and moist, this 
is not an unfrequent occurrence. As this second 
growth seldom ripens well, and is usually killed by 
the winter, it should be prevented as much as pos- 



TRANSPLANTING. 17 

sible. Plants in which this tendency exhibits itself 
should be planted in dryer soil, and kept quite dry 
during the months of August and September. 

The only variety which we have known to ripen 
the second growth successfully is "Cunningham's 
Dwarf White " in its different kinds, the hardiest of 
the "ponticum " varieties, and which not unfrequently 
gives a pretty autumn bloom. 

The best season for transplanting Rhododendrons 
is undoubtedly spring, say from the middle of April 
to the middle of May ; but some cultivators move 
the plants in August, and there is no objection to 
autumn or winter transplanting, provided care is 
taken that the plants do not suffer by being thrown 
out of the ground by the frost. 

A few years since, at one of the spring exhibitions 
of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, there 
being a scarcity of pot-plants, we removed from the 
beds a number of large Rhododendrons in full bloom, 
some bearing hundreds of flowers, put them in large 
boxes, carted them into the exhibition, where they 
remained two days, and bringing them back placed 
them again in the positions whence they were taken, 
without the plants receiving the slightest check or 
injury. In England it is customary to bring hun- 
dreds of plants from great distances, just as they are 
coming into bloom, to form the celebrated exhibitions 
of American Plants yearly held in the cities, and to 
take them back again, the plants not feeling the 
removals. 

Every autumn we take up hundreds of plants of 
the more tender kinds, some of immense size, set 



18 THE RHODODENDRON. 

them in boxes, and keep them in cellars until spring, 
when they are replanted in the open air. The plants 
are not unfavorably affected, and bloom finely year 
after year. 

Thus it will be seen that the Rhododendron, 
usually reputed a plant of difficult management, is 
capable of enduring quite as much hard usage in 
removal as any plant of our acquaintance ; and this 
should serve as an additional incentive to its in- 
creased cultivation. 

By a little attention to a reserve Rhododendron 
bed where a number of duplicates may be grown, 
we may yearly insure a display of bloom near the 
house, and produce gorgeous effects at will from 
masses of flowers. 

TREATMENT AFTER FLOWERING. 

As soon as the flowers have faded, the seed-cap- 
sules should be removed. This is a work of much 
labor, especially where the plants are large and tall. 
It must be done carefully, that the tender shoots, 
which are then just starting into growth at the base 
of the flower-truss, may not be broken or injured. 
The best way is to grasp the branch with the left 
hand close to the upper tuft of foliage, and with the 
thumb and finger of the right hand bend the truss 
of seed-pods to one side : it will usually break off 
clean, without injury to the young shoot. 

The young wood coming from the base of a bloom- 
truss will not usually, except on very strong plants, 
set bloom the first year ; but if the seed is removed, 



TREATMENT AFTER FLOWERING. 19 

it may be depended on for strong bloom the follow- 
ing year. Tims we can easily regulate the bloom 
on any plant or portion of a plant, by removing 
bloom-buds one year to obtain a profusion of bloom 
the next. 

Large and old plants, however, will always set as 
much bloom as they ought to carry ; and the difficulty 
with Rhododendrons is rather overblooming than 
the contrary. 

Some cultivators assert that the removal of the 
seed-vessels is not necessary. Yet they do not deny 
that ripening the seed weakens the plant for flower- 
ing ; and the best reason given for neglecting it is 
that it takes too much time. We have tried both 
ways ; and the superior beauty, vigor, and health of 
the plants from which the seeds were removed, has 
taught us always to do it at any expense of time 
and trouble. 

Another objection to leaving the seed-vessels is 
that, when they have opened and scattered the seed, 
they become very hard and persistent, and are very 
unsightly, disfiguring the plant. 

If the weather is very dry after the flowers have 
faded, the Rhododendrons should be plentifully 
watered. At this season they are in full growth, 
and need a great amount of moisture. This, how- 
ever, should not be given after the young growth 
begins to harden ; for then the object is to fully ripen 
the wood and mature the flower and foliage buds for 
winter. If the bed has been properly prepared, there 
will seldom be any need of watering ; and mulching 
is always the best way of retaining moisture. 



20 THE RHODODENDRON. 

No weeds should be allowed to grow over the sur- 
face of the bed ; but no spading or hoeing should ever 
be permitted. The annual spading of shrubberies is a 
relic of barbarism, which should long ago have been 
discontinued in a civilized age. 

DISEASES. 

The Rhododendron has no diseases, at least this 
is in our experience ; and of itself this fact should 
lead to its general cultivation. 

INSECT ENEMIES. 

These are very few, and seldom do any great 
injury. 

AVe have occasionally noticed a branch in a dying 
condition, and upon investigation have found the 
pith eaten out by some species of borer ; but have 
never been able to capture the insect in any state. 

A species of saw fly sometimes cuts holes in the 
young foliage, but never to any great extent. 

A year ago, noticing a young Rhododendron in 
bad health, and finding no apparent cause in the plant, 
we were led to examine the roots, upon which we 
found myriads of the white root aphis. This, how- 
ever, is an exceptional case. 

Our experience gives us the above facts, from 
which we deduce that insect enemies, as they exist 
at present, need deter none from cultivating Rhodo- 
dendrons. 



WINTER PROTECTION. 21 



WINTER PROTECTION. 

Rhododendrons vary much in hardiness. The 
greater part of the varieties found in English and 
continental catalogues are tender in the latitude of 
Boston. 

Yet there are some magnificent varieties that 
are as hardy as a white pine, and which will endure 
uninjured our severest winters. But even these 
should be protected when first planted. 

The first Rhododendron bed we ever made is on 
the north-western slope of a steep hill, exposed to 
the full force of the winter storms. It was planted 
ten years ago, with seven varieties of Catawbietise 
hybrids. For two years it was well protected in 
winter ; but ever since it has stood without the 
slightest protection, entirely uninjured, although the 
mercury has at times fallen to fifteen degrees below 
zero. The plants are now ten feet high, immense 
masses of glorious foliage ; and every June display 
thousands of gorgeous flowers. 

Some of the more tender varieties endure the win- 
ter perfectly well if protected from the wind, and we 
may safely state that — of say seventy-five — of the 
hardiest of the Catawbiense kinds, the greater part 
will endure severe cold below zero, if they can be 
sheltered from the direct influence of the wind. 

Even the hardiest kinds are sometimes injured in 
their foliage by the wind ; and for this reason only 
we protect standards during the winter, as we shall 
fully describe in another chapter. 



22 THE RHODODENDRON. 

Evergreen boughs are the best winter protection 
for Rhododendrons. We use the common red cedar, 
it being of very dense growth, and plentiful in the 
neighborhood ; but any evergreen will answer a good 
purpose. 

The boughs of small trees are cut somewhat longer 
than the plants to be protected, and are stuck into 
the ground around the plant, in a slightly slanting 
position. When the ground freezes they become 
firmly fixed in position, and any weight of snow 
causes them to bend over and protect the plant. 
Thus it will be seen that this inode of protection is 
also useful in preventing the branches of young plants 
from being broken by the weight of the snow. 

Another and an important object in protection is 
to keep the plants from the winter's sun. 

Many reputed tender varieties are perfectly hardy 
if they can be kept in a frozen state all winter. 

We can readily see that in our changeable climate, 
where the thermometer, at zero at sunrise, may by 
noon be fifty above zero in the sun, the evergreen 
leaves of plants are alternately frozen and thawed ; 
and no doubt can be entertained that it is injurious 
to the foliage of the plants. 

For this reason, Rhododendrons thrive better on 
a northern than on a southern exposure ; and varie- 
ties, which on a bleak northern hill we never protect, 
on a lawn sloping to the south are carefully covered 
each winter. 

While one great object of protection is to shelter 
the plant from wind and sun, any covering which 
deprives the plant of a free circulation of light and 
air is injurious. 



IMPORTING AND PROCURING PLANTS. 23 

Trussing up with straw, to us any thing but an 
attractive mode of winter protection, or covering 
with close boxes, are to be avoided. 

Any protection, however, which will break the 
force of the wind, and partially shield from the rays 
of the sun, may be advantageously employed. 

The time for covering Rhododendrons is just 
before the ground freezes up in the autumn, and the 
protection should be removed as soon as the frost 
leaves the ground in the spring. We generally 
cover the beds the last week in November, and 
remove the covering the first week in April. 

In considering this question of winter protection, 
it must be borne in mind that our experience has 
been in the latitude of Boston, and near the sea 
coast. 

Further south and in the interior, winter protec- 
tion may be entirely dispensed with : in this matter 
experience is the best teacher. 

Every year we are giving less protection as plants 
become acclimated and established ; and ultimately 
may be able to dispense with it altogether for most 
varieties. 

IMPORTING AND PROCURING PLANTS. 

Although the Rhododendron is so well adapted for 
general planting, a large collection would be difficult 
to obtain in this country. The largest sale stock, to 
our knowledge, is that of Messrs. Parsons & Co., of 
Flushing, Long Island, who are now devoting a large 
portion of their extensive grounds to the raising of 
Rhododendrons. 



24 THE RHODODENDRON. 

In this collection are many fine specimen plants ; 
and a good stock of young plants of such varieties as 
their experience has proved hardy and desirable, and 
of which we speak more fully in another chapter, are 
already for sale at reasonable prices. The plants in 
this nursery are grown in a deep, moist, rich loam, 
and such as have been supplied us have invariably 
done well. Messrs. Hovey & Co., near Boston, have 
many old and fine plants : their collection is grown 
in a natural meadow. They have also a fine stock 
of seedling Rhododendron maximum, the best species 
for massing on woody places and on rocky hills. 

There may be other sale collections, but we have 
failed to find them. Every nurseryman's catalogue 
contains Rhododendrons, but probably not one in 
ten could supply half a dozen good plants. We have 
repeatedly ordered them, misled by an advertise- 
ment ; and the result has been no plants, or, what 
was worse, a few ill-shaped, sickly specimens, only 
fit for the brush-heap. 

The greater part of our plants have been imported 
from England, and yearly we thus add to our stock. 

Probably the most extensive, as well as the oldest 
collection of American Plants, in England, is the 
Knap Hill Nursery, near Woking, Surrey, now of 
Mr. Anthony Waterer. 

Thousands upon thousands of plants, in hundreds 
of varieties, are there annually grown for sale ; and the 
nursery and grounds contain some of the largest and 
finest specimens in England. About the first of 
January we send an order to Mr. Waterer ; and the 
plants leave England by steamer from the first to 



STANDARD RHODODENDRONS. 25 

the middle of April, arriving in about a fortnight 
after shipping. They invariably come in good order, 
and we have never lost a plant from poor packing ; 
nor have we ever had any occasion to complain of 
the quality of the plants. The cost of importing 
plants can easily be computed by reckoning an Eng- 
lish shilling, cost price, at fifty cents currency. This 
is an outside figure, and includes gold, freight, ex- 
change, and the outrageous imposition of a duty of 
thirty per cent in gold. By thus estimating, we can 
always be within our calculations. 

American plants are extensively grown in most 
English nurseries, and catalogues before us contain 
large lists of varieties, and from any nursery plants 
could be imported. We, however, give the prefer- 
ence to Mr. Waterer, as his long experience enables 
him to send only such plants as are suited to our 
climate. Those who are in doubt what kinds to 
select can safely leave the choice to Mr. Waterer, 
and will be sure of receiving only the best plants. 

STANDARD RHODODENDRONS. 

These are amongst the most splendid ornaments 
of the garden, as those who have seen them in Eng- 
land will admit. 

Some of our plants when in bloom are wonder- 
fully beautiful, and are always attractive from the 
heads of rich glossy foliage. 

Probably the largest standard in the country is on 
our lawn : the trunk is one foot one inch in circum- 
ference at the ground ; it begins to branch four feet 



26 THE RHODODENDRON. 

from the ground,* where it is eleven inches around ; 
it is eight feet four inches high, and the head is 
twenty feet four inches in circumference; and the 
whole plant requires in winter, to cover it, a shed 
six feet square by nine feet high. 

It is of the variety roseam eleg-ans, which is par- 
ticularly adapted for standards ; and in June is so 
covered with flowers as almost to conceal the foliage. 

This plant was imported five years ago, and has 
since stood uninjured two of the hardest winters 
upon vegetation which we have known. We have 
many other fine standards, both of hardy and tender 
varieties : the former, with a slight protection from 
wind and sun, are entirely uninjured by the winter ; 
the latter are removed to the Rhododendron cellars, 
of which we give a description in a future chapter, 
upon the approach of severe weather. 

Our advice would be to all to plant a few standard 
Rhododendrons. They are expensive ; but one will 
make more show than a dozen smaller plants, and 
will not cost much more. In the centre of a bed, a 
tall standard rising above the more dwarf plants is 
especially effective. 

The only care necessary is to be sure the plants 
are worked on Cataivbiense stock : those grown on 
ponticum stock would be killed or injured by the 
first winter. 

In planting them, the position should not be too 
sunny, as the hot suns of summer may injure the 
tall trunks. We have sometimes, when the weather 
was very hot and dry, pressed a large flower-pot into 
the ground close to the stems of the standards, and 



DWARF RHODODENDRONS. 27 

by filling it with water every morning a constant 
moisture was kept up from the slow percolation of 
the water through the hole in the bottom. These 
pots, however, are not ornamental, and are seldom 
necessary. Standards occasionally need pruning to 
keep the heads in shape ; but a little attention to 
disbudding, as we have described, will render this 
unnecessary. 

DWARF RHODODENDRONS. 

These are among the most charming of the family, 
and no collection is complete without them. The 
greater part are perfectly hardy ; and though in 
flower they are not so showy, yet in delicate beauty 
they far surpass the taller-growing varieties. 

In this class we find the charming species R. dau- 
ricum, rather a loose grower, and needing severe 
pruning to make it symmetrical ; but always beauti- 
ful in earliest spring, blooming with the crocus and 
outlasting the hyacinth. 

Next is R. Witsonianum, with beautiful glossy 
foliage, usually considered tender, but perfectly hardy 
with us ; and then we have R. odoratum, the flowers 
of which, as the name implies, are delightfully fra- 
grant. 

R. hirsutum, and its variegated variety, are neat 
little plants, useful for the edges of beds, but are not 
particularly showy either in foliage or flower. 

The charming Alpine R. lapponicum is most diffi- 
cult of cultivation, but is beautiful enough to repay 
any care. 



28 



THE RHODODENDRON. 



R. Torlonianum and Govenianum, both hybrids, 
are very pretty, but have with us proved rather 
tender. 

R. punctatum can hardly be considered a dwarf. 
It is a pretty plant, but rather insignificant in 
flower. 

R. ferrugineum is also rather tall-growing, and is 
showy in flower. This is the true " Alpen Rose." 

We shall have more to say of all these in a future 
chapter, and only mention them in this connection 
to call special attention to their beauty. 




INDOOR CULTURE. 29 



CHAPTER II. 

INDOOR CULTURE. 

r I ^HERE are many of the finest species and varie- 
-*- ties of Rhododendrons which are too tender 
to survive the winters of our climate. Many kinds, 
which in England are hardy, are tender with us, and 
can only be grown with indoor culture. In this 
class are all the fine varieties of Rhododendron pon- 
ticum, and many of those which have a mixture of 
Cataivbiense blood ; most of the best spotted and 
scarlet varieties, and many of those with the best- 
defined markings ; all the glorious species of the 
Himalaya Mountains, the so-called " Sikkim Rho- 
dodendrons ; " and all the various forms of the 
tree Rhododendron, R. arboreum, of Nepal ; the yel- 
low and buff-flowered Javanese species ; and the 
delicate and beautiful kinds of which Rhododendron 
jasminiflonim is a representative. 

Thus, we see that the indoor culture of this plant 
affords a far greater range than we can find in the 
garden. This culture has as yet, however, received 
but little attention : we find a few plants grown in 
greenhouses, but usually they are neglected and in 
bad condition. To grow Rhododendrons well, they 
should have a house to themselves ; and with such 
culture the result would be the production of glorious 



30 THE RHODODENDRON. 

masses of flowers during the early spring months. 
We know of no house of this kind, but one could 
be readily constructed at small expense. 

It should be low, span-roofed ; the sashes arranged 
to take off in summer, and shutters provided for 
covering the roof in early winter. The heating ap- 
paratus need not be very powerful, for the most that 
would be required would be to keep out the frost. 
The plants should be planted out in beds of prepared 
soil, and, by taking off the sashes, allowed to perfect 
their growth and mature their buds in the open air. 
When freezing weather approaches, the sashes should 
be replaced ; and during the short days the house 
should be kept only a little above the freezing point. 
As the days lengthen, and the sun gains more power, 
more heat may be given, which will soon start the 
flower-buds. 

According to the heat given, the plants will 
bloom from March to May, or by a selection of 
kinds a continuous bloom may be obtained. Such 
treatment would suit all the ponticum and the more 
tender Cataivbiense hybrids : many of the Sikkim 
varieties would thrive and bloom, and some of the 
more tender species of other American plants might 
be added for variety. The tropical kinds, of course, 
require stove heat ; but they are hardly numerous 
enough to warrant the erection of a special house. 

Indoor culture is, in almost every respect, iden- 
tical with garden culture, only it requires more care 
in watering, and air should be freely given on all 
occasions. 

Such a house of plants in bloom would be a mag- 



FORCING. 31 

nificent sight, and at other seasons it would require 
very little care. 

FORCING. 

Rhododendrons are very easily forced into bloom, 
and add greatly to the attractions of the green- 
house. 

Any varieties may be forced, although a selection 
of the earlier blooming kinds would give those best 
adapted for the purpose. The plants for forcing 
should be selected in November from those best set 
with flower-buds : they should be carefully potted 
and removed to a cool, light cellar, where they should 
be kept until the first of January, receiving only 
sufficient water to keep the soil from drying up. 

About the first of the year they should be gradu- 
ally introduced into heat, and given a position near 
the glass. Water should be freely administered, but 
never allowed to stand around the roots. In a few 
weeks the buds will begin to swell, and the plants 
will rapidly come into bloom. 

After flowering, the growth of the young shoots 
should be encouraged, keeping the plants as near the 
glass as possible to prevent them from becoming 
drawn. After all danger of frost has passed, the 
plants may be replanted in the bed from whence 
they were taken. 

The same plants cannot be forced for two succes- 
sive years, as they usually fail to set many flower- 
buds the second year ; but a hundred plants will 
always supply plenty for annual forcing. 



32 THE RHODODENDRON. 



AS PARLOR PLANTS. 

Many will be surprised at our recommending the 
Rhododendron as a parlor plant ; yet we know of 
none more showy or of easier culture. We have 
grown very fine specimens in a southerly window, 
and had magnificent trusses of bloom during March 
and April. 

The process is very simple ; being only to take up 
the plants in autumn, pot them, and keep them in a 
light, cool cellar, as above directed, and after the 
turn of the year place them in the parlor-window. 
The heat of furnaces or exhalations from gas-burn- 
ers, which prove so fatal to most parlor plants, do 
not seem to affect them, and they soon develop fine 
trusses of bloom. 

By a selection of varieties, fine contrasts of color 
may be obtained ; and, by taking some of the late 
flowering kinds, a succession of flower may be main- 
tained until the Rhododendrons bloom in the open air. 

Parlor forcing is bad for the plants, as they sel- 
dom make good wood, the growth being generally 
weak and long ; but in a few years the plants re- 
cover, and are again ready for forcing. 

We have found " Cunningham's Dwarf White, "in 
its varieties, one of the best of the ponticum hybrids, 
admirably adapted for parlor culture. We have also 
successfully forced some of the most showy of the 
Cataivbiense hybrids, such as Nero, Lord John Rus- 
sell, and Brayanum, with perfect success ; and can 
recommend parlor forcing to all lovers of Rhodo- 
dendrons. 



PROPAGATION. 33 



CHAPTER III. 

PROPAGATION. 

r I ^HE propagation of Rhododendrons is by no 
-*■ means difficult, although as yet it has been 
little attempted in this country. Old and approved 
varieties are increased by layers, cuttings, grafting, 
or inarching ; and new varieties are obtained from 
seed. 

These various processes differ in no degree in the 
case of this plant from the ordinary methods ; but 
we will describe them briefly. 

LAYERS. 

By this means the best plants are raised, and it is 
the usual mode in England for propagating in large 
quantities approved varieties. 

In its native swamps the Rhododendron roots 
readily wherever the branches bend to the ground, 
and become covered with soil or a debris of moist 
leaves. 

In our own garden we have often obtained fine 

plants from branches which had by chance been 

covered by the earth of the bed or by the tan mulch, 

roots being very freely produced where the natural 

sufficiency of moisture is afforded. 

We have only to bend the branch to the ground, to 

2* 



34 THE RHODODENDRON. 

cover any portion of the old wood with the moist 
earth, and to secure the branch in position : roots will 
soon be protruded, and the second year the branch 
may be severed from the parent stock, to become an 
independent plant. The production of roots may be 
greatly facilitated by making an upward cut one 
half through the branch where it is to be buried 
deepest in the earth, in the ordinary manner of 
layering: the flow of sap is in a measure thus 
arrested. 

These layers, if made in spring, will in two years 
be very strong, and ready to remove ; in some cases 
a single season may be sufficient for them, but 
ordinarily two years are required. The only atten- 
tion necessary is to keep the branches in place by 
strong pegs, and the soil moist. 

By layering the branches, tall, ungainly plants 
may be made in time fine specimens. The long, 
straggling branches should be bent down and firmly 
pegged at even distances all around the plant : they 
will root, and the bending of the branches between 
the old plant and the layers will facilitate the pro- 
duction of buds ; or, in gardener's parlance, the old 
wood will break, and the bare places be filled with 
new shoots, and the plant will become of a bushy, 
symmetrical shape. 

CUTTINGS 

Should be made of the half-ripened wood of the 
growing shoots. They should be inserted in silver 
sand, or peat and sand, and covered with a bell-glass. 



INARCHING. 35 

No special attention is required, except to shade 
them from the direct sun, and to occasionally wipe 
the moisture from the glass : the sand, of course, 
should be kept moist. The cuttings root readily, 
and may then be transplanted to single pots, and the 
next season placed in the open ground. 

Propagation by cuttings is seldom resorted to, ex- 
cept in the case of new varieties, and with the fine, 
tender species of the greenhouse and stove. 

INARCHING. 

This process is the same ordinarily employed for 
the propagation of camellias, and like hard-wooded 
shrubs. 

Some vigorous stock of a common variety is 
selected. The branch should then be brought close 
to the stock, and the parts which fit best be care- 
fully marked ; next, at the places of contact, pare 
away the bark and wood for an inch or more in 
length on both stock and branch ; then, letting the 
bark join exactly, tie the stock and branch tight 
together, and cover with clay or grafting wax. 
When the stock and graft are of the same size, a 
slit is made upward in the branch, and a correspond- 
ing slit downward in the stock ; the parts are then 
tongued together, the whole joined exactly, tied, and 
covered with wax or clay as above. 

If the operation is performed out of doors, both 
stock and graft should be carefully staked ; but in 
the house this is not necessary. 

A few months will generally be sufficient to unite 



36 THE RHODODENDRON. 

the parts, and the grafts may then be separated from 
the parent plant. 

They should be cut off close to the graft, and the 
head of the stock also removed. Inarching is some- 
times called approach grafting, and is a very sure 
mode of propagation. 

The best time for this operation is from January 
to April, or in summer : when performed in the 
house, the stocks should be well established in 
pots. 

SEED. 

By this mode innumerable varieties are raised, 
and thus all of the fine hybrids now in cultivation 
have been produced. 

The seeds, which like those of most of the Eri- 
caceae, are small and fine, should be sown soon 
after ripening. They retain their vitality about a 
year ; but the sooner they are sown the more certain 
is their germination. 

The soil should be very fine peat and silver sand, 
in shallow boxes or pans : it should be made very 
fine and moist, the seed be thinly sprinkled on the 
surface, and just enough soil to cover it be sifted 
over the pan. The soil should be kept at a uniform 
rate of moisture, and be shaded from the direct rays 
of the sun and from frost. A close, cool frame is the 
best place. The time of germinating varies much 
with the season of planting, from a few weeks to six 
months. The seedlings are at first very small, and 
should be allowed to remain in the seed-pans until 



HYBKIDIZATION. 37 

they attain some size. They should then be " pricked 
off" in pans or boxes, and grown in frames, with 
plenty of air in good weather, until large enough to 
be planted out. 

In its native haunts the Rhododendron seeds very 
freely, and young plants are readily obtained. 

In a recent journey through the Alleghany Moun- 
tains, we saw acres of Rhododendrons of the species 
Cataivbiense and maximum. On one mountain side, 
where a stream ran along the road, myriads of plants 
had sprung up. They were of all sizes, from the 
tiniest plant to large trees ; and we pulled up hun- 
dreds of nice well-rooted plants, which reached home 
in good condition. 

In many places we found seedling Rhododendrons, 
Kalmias, and Epigaea rooting in the same cleft of 
the rock, and often so firmly it was impossible to 
dislodge them without destroying the plants. 

HYBRIDIZATION 

Has been but little attempted in this country. 
Some few good seedlings have been produced, but 
usually from chance seed. 

The process is very simple, being only to fertilize 
a fine flower with the pollen of another, having pre- 
viously removed the anthers of the female parent. 

It is a good rule to make the hardier plant the 
female. 

After fertilization, protect the fertilized flower by 
a gauze covering until it fades, and carefully gather 
the ripened seed. 



38 THE RHODODENDRON. 

Some of the seedlings recently produced in Eng- 
land are of wonderful beauty, combining depth and 
breadth of flower, brilliancy of color, and immense 
size of truss, with great vigor of constitution and 
beauty of foliage. 

Of some of these we shall have occasion to give 
descriptions in future pages. 

It is, however, very doubtful if any of them will 
prove thoroughly hardy, although in England they 
are the most splendid ornaments of the shrubbery. 

Our aim should be to raise American seedlings 
suited to our climate. 

Messrs. Parsons & Co. have a few, of which we 
think well so far as we have tried them. We also 
have exhibited for the last three years, at the weekly 
shows of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, a 
well-marked seedling, which has proved very hardy. 
The color is very good, and the plant vigorous. 
These good qualities, with its hardiness, will prob- 
ably render it valuable. 

The field is wide and open to all ; and what better 
can our nurserymen and amateurs compete in than 
raising hardy seedling Rhododendrons ? 




COMPARATIVE HARDINESS. 39 



CHAPTER IV. 

COMPARATIVE HARDINESS. 

'TPHE hardiness of Rhododendrons is a very diffi- 
-*• cult subject to treat. 

Every cultivator will express a different opinion ; 
and while on some few varieties all will agree, upon 
the greater number no two will form the same opin- 
ion. The reason is simply that we are upon the 
northern limit of hardiness for most kinds, and 
the difference of a few degrees in the range of the 
mercury is life or death to the plant. 

Yet, strange as it may seem, some varieties, which 
we find marked as tender in English catalogues, prove 
hardy in the latitude of Boston. 

An instance of this is the fine variety, " President 
Van den Hecke," the flowers of which are blush 
white, thickly spotted with chocolate, which has 
with us stood the last three winters uninjured, both 
in leaf and bud. 

The hardest winters for Rhododendrons are those 
when there is but little snow, when the mercury falls 
below zero. The greater number of Catawbiense 
varieties will stand uninjured where the thermometer 
occasionally falls to zero ; but a long continuance 
of zero weather is fatal to very many kinds. Snow 
is a great protection: we repeatedly find plants 



40 THE RHODODENDRON. 

killed or badly injured above the snow-line, but 
bright and in good condition below. 

Heavy falls of snow, however, sometimes do great 
damage by breaking the plants : we have had fine 
plants ruined by a thaw succeeding a heavy snow- 
storm, the snow settling and breaking all the 
branches, leaving only a tall stem with a few 
branches at the top. The covering of cedar-boughs 
is often a great protection against breaking by 
snow. 

Of the hardiness of species we can speak with 
greater certainty. 

All the Rhododendrons from Eastern and Central 
Asia, and the numerous " Sikkim " species, are ten- 
der. Some of the Himalaya kinds are precariously 
hardy in the south of England, and therefore might 
succeed south of Pennsylvania ; but we do not sup- 
pose the experiment has been tried. A cold snap, 
such as that which has recently (December, 1870) 
visited the Southern States, would destroy them. 

Rhododendron ponticum, and most of its varieties, 
are tender in New England : in the Middle States 
they would probably succeed. " Cunningham's 
Dwarf White," of which there are several varieties, 
(although a variety of R. ponticwii), is hardy with 
us, some fifty plants having stood the last three 
winters uninjured, both in foliage and flower-bud. 

This variety is said to be the only Rhododendron 
which will endure the winters of northern Europe. 

Rhododendron hirsutum, pwictatum, and ferru- 
gineum, are hardy. R. californicum is not hardy 
in New England. 



COMPARATIVE HARDINESS. 41 

R. dauricum, and its variety, atrovirens, will 
stand in any exposure. R. caucasicum and chry- 
santhemum should prove hardy, but they are seldom 
found in cultivation. 

R. lapponicum is a native of high mountain ranges 
and northern latitudes? but is an "Alpine" of diffi- 
cult cultivation. In its native habitat it is probably 
protected by snow during the winter. 

R. maximum is perfectly hardy ; and any hybrids 
raised from it would probably partake of this char- 
acteristic. 

R. Cataivbiense is hardy as far north as Boston, 
though in severe winters the foliage has sometimes 
been a little browned. 

The hybrids of Oatawbiense vary greatly in hardi- 
ness. Though thus popularly called, they are of 
mixed blood, and are hardy just so far as they 
resemble the hardy parent. As a general rule, the 
bright colors and the deeply spotted varieties will be 
found tender ; but we have great hopes that some of 
the newer seedlings, which in color are superior to 
any of the old kinds, may prove hardy with us. 

In the description of varieties in Part II., we pro- 
pose to give our experience of the hardiness of the 
several kinds. We must say, however, that the 
experience of one locality is not necessarily that of 
another, differing but little in climate. Each one 
must experiment for himself with doubtful kinds, 
and thus only can he ascertain the true rule for his 
guidance. 

There are many Rhododendrons that in branch 
and bud are hardy, but of which the foliage is dis- 



42 THE RHODODENDRON. 

figured every winter. The result is, the plants look 
badly the greater part of the year, and the flowers 
are small and poor. These varieties should be dis- 
carded. A great beauty of the Rhododendron is the 
foliage; and as a variety which keeps its foliage 
unhurt occupies no more room, and requires less care 
than one which is thus partially tender, the hardy 
varieties should be preferred. Greater attention is 
now being paid in the production of seedlings to size 
and color of foliage, and some of the new kinds are 
of surpassing excellence in this respect. 

HOUSES FOR WINTER PROTECTION. 

Standard Rhododendrons, even of the hardiest 
kinds, are liable to have the foliage very much dis- 
figured by the cutting winds of winter. It is difficult 
to protect or screen very large plants with cedar- 
boughs ; therefore we must protect them otherwise. 

We have found rough houses, made of light boards, 
to answer this purpose perfectly. 

Those we use vary greatly with the size of the 
plant : some are so small one man can place them ; 
others so large it takes half a dozen men to put them 
in position. 

They are not ornamental, but could easily be 
made so, though this would increase their weight. 
The matter of appearance is of little importance, as 
they are in use only from the middle of December 
to the first of April. In their construction we must 
bear in mind that they are not to protect against 
cold, but only against direct wind ; so we must not 



GROUPING. 43 

make them tight. Those we use are made with a 
sloping roof, the joints battened to keep rain from 
leaking on to the plant ; the sides of light boards, 
nailed about an eighth of an inch apart, to allow a 
free circulation of air. The northerly side is in one 
piece, and is secured by screws : in the middle of 
this side is a square window, a foot or more wide, 
which is covered with a piece of white cotton-cloth. 
The house is moved on from the southerly side, then 
the northerly side is screwed on, and the plant is 
housed for the winter. With this protection, the 
standards come out in the spring with fresh foliage 
and in splendid condition. 

When not in use, the houses are stored in some 
remote shed. 



GROUPING 

Is of great importance for effective display. The 
different species and varieties differ greatly in habit 
and foliage. Some are only suitable for the front of 
the bed ; others look well only in the background. 
Color of flower also enters as an element in planting 
for effective display. 

While experience in this must be, in a measure, 
the teacher, some hints may be given which may 
prove advantageous. 

Thus, of two fine white-flowered varieties, both 
excellent and equally hardy, album elegans is a tall- 
grower, and only suited for the middle or rear of a 
bed ; and coriaceum is very dwarf, and in any posi- 
tion but the front would be lost. 



44 THE RHODODENDRON. 

In Part II. we shall give the habit of the variety 
where it is peculiar, in order to aid the planter. 

Rhododendrons are particularly adapted for speci- 
mens, and never look better than when so planted. 
Large masses are, however, very effective in foliage, 
and of wonderful magnificence when in flower. In 
their native habitats the plants grow in huge masses, 
and any one who has seen a Southern " Laurel 
swamp " in bloom will never forget its beauty. 
Some of the hills of the Alleghany Mountains pre- 
sent masses of Rhododendrons, than which one can- 
not find a finer sight in the floral kingdom. We 
can, in cultivation, excel nature in variety, if not in 
quantity. We have masses of Rhododendrons which, 
when in bloom, are sheets of color, — white, pink, 
scarlet, and purple ; and no more beautiful sight can 
be imagined. 

In planting masses, regard need not be had to 
keeping the plants separate. Give each room to 
develop, and then let the branches mingle : the 
effect is far more natural and beautiful. Varieties 
should also be arranged as to color to present the 
best contrasts when in bloom : this is easily done by 
selecting named kinds. Those which bloom at the 
same season should be planted together: there is a 
difference of many weeks in the flowering of species 
and varieties. 

Thus, Rhododendron dauricum blooms with the cro- 
cuses ; but R. hirsutum not until the middle of June. 
R. grandiflorum is with us a week earlier than any 
of the Catawbiense hybrids ; while R. Hannibal is 
the latest of all, seldom blooming until all the others 



GROUPING. 45 

have faded. R. maximum does not bloom until after 
the first of July. 

Those kinds which bloom very early or very late 
should be planted as specimens, or in masses by 
themselves ; thus a continuous and effective bloom 
may be obtained. 

In the new seedlings, many are late bloomers ; 
and this is a great gain, as thus the Rhododendron 
season is prolonged. 

In grouping, some attention should be paid to 
foliage : the flower lasts only a few weeks, the foliage 
the whole year ; therefore those varieties with great- 
est breadth of foliage, of a bright or very dark green, 
should be chosen for the front of the bed. 




PART II. 

DESCRIPTION OP THE RHODODENDRON. 



PART II. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON". 



Rhododendron Ponticum. 



r I ^HIS species has been longest in cultivation, and 
-*- there are in England many very large plants. 
It does not grow very tall, the largest of which we 
have any record being about fifteen feet high ; but it 
spreads its branches over a large space, and is not 
unfrequently found thirty feet in diameter. Many 
of the large plantations in England are of this species, 
and it is extensively planted for game covers, as the 
buds are not eaten by rabbits. Seedlings are very 
easily raised, and are furnished by nurserymen for 
about twenty shillings per hundred for flowering 
plants a foot high. It grows freely in any good 
loam, and flowers abundantly. 

The flowers are purplish, and, though in the mass 
very showy, are wanting in substance. The foliage, 
though good, is by no means so handsome as in 
many other species. 

This species is a native of Armenia, the Levant, 
Georgia, the Caucasus, and various parts of Asia 
extending to the Himalaya Mountains. 

3 



50 THE RHODODENDRON. 

It is not hardy in New England, and probably 
would not succeed well north of Philadelphia ; 
although it would doubtless survive with a slight 
protection, or even unprotected in ordinary winters, 
south of New York. Where it is hardy, its cheap- 
ness, and the facility with which it adapts itself to 
different soils, render it a most desirable plant for 
massing on hill-sides and in open woods. Figured 
in Bot. Mag. 18, t. 650. 

There are many hybrid varieties and named seed- 
lings, some hardier than the species and very well 
worth growing. Of these we may especially men- 
tion : — 

E. P. FOL. ARGENTEIS, FOL. AUREIS, FOL. MARGINATIS, 

The kinds with silver and gold striped foliage 
which are desirable, as the markings are distinct 
and permanent. The plants grow freely, and are 
ornamental. The flowers are poor. Our plants 
are wintered in a cold cellar, and planted out in 
summer. 

Variety Cunningham's Dwarf White. 

This is the hardiest of the pontic varieties, and 
has with us stood the winter perfectly well for the 
last four years. 

The foliage is more glossy, and brighter, than in 
the species ; and the flowers vary from pink to pure 
white. 

It is a rapid grower, though of dwarf habit ; and 
flowers very freely. For forcing there is nothing 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 51 

better, as even in a parlor window it will bloom in a 
few weeks after being brought from the cellar. 

Plants may be imported for about fifty cents each. 

We heartily recommend this variety for general 
planting. 

Variety album. This is merely a white-flowered 
variety of the species, and is only desirable for 
planting with it for contrast. 

Variety salicifolium and cheiranthifolium, the 
willow and wall-flower leaved, are very pretty for 
contrast, the foliage being narrow and somewhat 
curled. The flowers are small ; pale purple. Our 
plants do well wintered in the cellar. 

Variety azaleoides is a hybrid with some species 
of azalea. The leaves are small, and the flower not 
especially showy ; the plant is dwarf, and suitable 
for the borders of beds. With us it has stood eight 
winters, flowering freely ; but the leaves are liable 
to be browned by the winter's sun without protection. 

A sub-variety, crispiflorum, figured in Illus. Hort. 
5, t. 181, has very showy flowers ; rich pink, with 
wavy petals. 

Variety pictum is very distinct, and worthy a 
place in the choicest collection ; color white, with 
very dark spots on upper petals ; requires cellar 
protection in winter. 

Found in catalogues as Loivii. 



'&' 



Variety multimacu latum is a very neat variety ; 
flowers white, spotted with red ; tender. 



52 THE RHODODENDRON. 

Variety nivaticum is a very fine flower ; white, 
spotted with pale yellow; tender. 

Variety blandum, a good pale blush kind ; tender. 

Variety roseum has rosy flowers, not especially 
desirable with so many better flowers of the color ; 
tender. 

Variety aucub^folium is a very distinct kind, with 
spotted leaves. The flowers are light lilac, and very 
pretty. It has stood the winter with us for three 
years uninjured. 

Variety tortulosum has light green and curiously 
contorted foliage. It is only desirable as a curi- 
osity. 

Variety flore pleno is desirable if any one wishes 
a double-flowered Rhododendron. The color is pale 
purple, the flower of good form ; but it is wanting 
in the simplicity and beauty of the single varieties. 

It seems tolerably hardy, having stood the last 
four winters with us in a northern exposure, the 
flower-buds surviving, and the foliage only being 
slightly browned one year. 

Variety hyacinthifloribi is another double-flow- 
ered kind, and open to the same objection as the 
last-mentioned. The flowers are very double ; and 
the plant is a good grower, and blooms freely. 

It has proved hardy with us. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 53 

Variety Vervaneanum is also double-flowered. 
We cannot speak as to its hardiness. 

Variety guttatum is delicate and pretty. The 
flowers are white, distinctly spotted. Well worth 
growing, but tender. 

There are other varieties, varying in color from 
deep purple to pure white, some very pretty and 
desirable, and all worth planting for experiment. 

It is impossible to tell whether these will prove 
hardy, and the only course is for each cultivator to 
try them for himself. As the plants are very cheap, 
the experiment cannot prove expensive. 

We have given descriptions of those which we 
have grown at Glen Ridge, and probably any which 
we have found hardy will prove so anywhere south 
of the latitude of Boston. We do not, however, 
advise the amateur who only plants a few Rhododen- 
drons to choose any of the pontic varieties. They 
are less showy than others, and may be cut off at 
any time by a winter of unusual severity. 

Rhododendron maximum. 

This is the Rose Bay, or Great Laurel, of the New 
England States ; and is found plentifully from south- 
ern New England southward. The farthest north- 
ern limit is a swamp near Sebago Lake, near 
Portland, Me. ; it next occurs in a large swamp on 
the banks of Charles River, in Medfield, Mass., and 
next in a swamp in Randolph, south of the Blue 
Hill. 



54 THE RHODODENDRON. 

In Medfield it was till recently very abundant, 
and flowered so freely that we have seen wagon 
loads of flowers gathered : but the tall trees which 
sheltered it have been cut down, and the plants in 
many places chopped off even with the ground. So 
a few years hence, it may be extinct in that locality. 

The plant is a tall grower, of loose habit ; foliage 
large, dark green above, rusty or whitish beneath. 
The flowers are small, white or pinkish, with yel- 
lowish-green spots on the upper petals. 

This species is the latest blooming Rhododendron 
we have, never blooming until after the first of 
July, in New England. 

It is common in cultivation, the plants having 
been brought from the swamps ; and plants are often 
seen for sale at the large markets, in the spring. It 
is, however, the least desirable of all the Rhododen- 
drons, its only merit being its late flowering. For 
large masses on the banks of ponds or on shady 
hill-sides, it is to be recommended, as it is perfectly 
hardy. It will not bear drought, however, as well 
as other species, and does not do well in full sun- 
shine. The only losses of Rhododendrons from the 
excessive drought of the past summer (1870), at 
Glen Ridge, have been large plants of Rhododendron 
maximum. Figured in Bot. Mag. 24, t. 951; in 
Michaux, vol. 3, pi. 4 ; and in Big. Med. pi. 51. 

In English magazines we find mentioned as varie- 
ties maximum album, purpureum, and Wellsianum. 
The first is probably little different from the species, 
and is the R. Purshii of Loudon. The second is 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 55 

the R. purpureum of Pursh, which never existed as 
a species, is not now recognized, and is probably 
some hybrid of R. Catawbiense. Of the last we have 
been able to obtain no information. It is said by a 
writer in the " Cottage Gardener " to have " pink 
flowers, fine foliage, and to be of good habit ; " if so, 
it must be indeed desirable. 

Rhododendron dauricum. 

This charming species we place among the most 
desirable of Rhododendrons, not so much for the 
beauty of the individual flowers as for its hardiness, 
its early blooming, and the abundance of blossoms. 
It is a native of Siberia and Eastern Asia. The 
foliage is deciduous ; the flowers are rosy-purple, and 
appear in very early spring before the leaves. A 
mass of this plant is a charming object in early 
spring; and no collection, however small, should be 
without it. 

Figured in And. Rep. 1, 4; Lodd. Cab. 605 and 
1446. Bot. Mag. IT, t. 636. 

Variety atrovirens is also a native of Siberia, and 
differs only from the species in having dark ever- 
green leaves, which render it more desirable, as when 
in bloom it is more effective. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 44, t. 1888 ; and in Lodd. 
Cab. t. 1584, under the name of sempervirens. 

These plants naturally grow tall and spindling, 
and are much benefited by careful pruning. 

They may be imported for about fifty cents a 
plant. 



56 THE RHODODENDRON. 



Rhododendron californicum. 

This species is a native of California, and is well 
worthy of cultivation wherever it proves hardy. 
The chances are, it will not stand the winters in 
New England. In England it is hardy, a writer 
in the "Cottage Gardener" calling it the " hardiest 
Rhododendron " he has " met with, standing wind 
well." 

The flowers are rosy, very showy ; and the habit 
of the plant is good. Figured in Bot. Mag. 81, 
t. 4863. 

Rhododendron arboreum. 

A noble species, native of Nepal, attaining larger 
size than any of the family, the trunks being found 
twenty feet high and twenty-four inches in diameter. 
The foliage is large, dark green above, silvery be- 
neath ; the flowers bright scarlet, in dense heads. 

This species varies much in the color of the 
flowers : in the wild state they are found of every 
shade, from deep scarlet to pure white ; and in culti- 
vation numerous varieties have been raised, differing 
greatly in color, markings, and size of flowers, and 
in foliage. 

Some of these are among the most valuable Rho- 
dodendrons for greenhouse culture and for forcing. 
With us all are tender, and require greenhouse 
protection. As they bloom very early in the spring, 
they are not suitable for outdoor culture, even if 
protected by removal to the cellar in winter. For 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 57 

a tender Rhododendron house they are perfectly 
adapted, and furnish a variety of brilliant colors 
not to be found in other species. 

The species is figured in Bot. Reg. 11, t. 890 ; 
Hook, Ex. PL t. 168 ; Pax. Mag. 1, p. 101, and 2, 
p. 98 ; Sweet's, Fl. G. 250. 

The following are native varieties : — 

Variety album has white flowers, with delicate 
purple spots. Figured in Bot. Mag. 61, t. 3290 ; 
and Bot. Reg. 20, t. 1684. 

Variety roseum has bright rosy flowers. In its 
native country this variety is higher up the moun- 
tains than the scarlet species, and is hardier. Figured 
in Bot, Reg. 15, 1. 1240 ; and in Sweet's Fl. G. t. 339. 

Variety niveum is a charming variety, with white 
flowers, spotted with purple. Figured in Sweet's, Fl. 
G. t. 148. 

Variety ctnnamomeum has rosy-white flowers, 
spotted with brown. The foliage is rusty on the 
under side. A very showy plant. Figured in Bot. 
Mag. 67, t. 3825. 

The figure in Bot. Reg. 23, t. 1982, under this 
name, is a different plant. 

Variety Paxtoni is a fine kind, with deep crimson 
flowers of great substance. Figured in Pax. Mag. 
14, p. 99. 

This variety should not be confounded with the 
Catawbiense hybrid of the same name. 

3* 



58 THE RHODODENDRON. 

The following are hybrid varieties : — 

Variety Russellianum is a hybrid between Cataiv- 
biense and arbor eum ; color, bright crimson. Fig- 
ured in Sweet's, Fl. G. 2, t. 91. 

Variety Smithii coccinea has scarlet flowers, 
beautifully spotted ; a hybrid between R. ponticum 
and arbor eum. Figured in Sweet's Fl. G. 2, t. 50. 

Variety alta-clarense was raised from R. arbo- 
reum, fertilized with a seedling between ponticum 
and Cataivbiense. The flower is clear, bright, trans- 
parent scarlet, and the foliage very rich. Figured 
in Bot, Reg. 17, t. 1414 ; and in Bot. Mag. 62, 
t. 3423. 

Variety undulatum is a hybrid with R. ponticum. 
The flowers are deep, shaded purple ; and the foliage 
has a peculiar, wavy form. Figured in Sweet's Fl. 
G. t, 341. 

Variety album speciosum, figured in Illus. Hort. 
1, t. 1, has white flowers, beautifully spotted with 
crimson. 

There are many other fine hybrids, and new ones 
are constantly produced. All are showy in flower ; 
but many popular this year will be lost a few years 
hence, giving place to varieties of newer origin. 
Some of the old varieties we have mentioned still 
hold their place as standard kinds, and are as yet 
unsurpassed. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 59 

The tendency now is to raise hardy Rhododen- 
drons ; but the tender kinds should not be neglected, 
as they comprise some of the most beautiful of the 
family. 

Many other hybrids, in which the blood of R. 
arbor eum is mingled, are mentioned in future pages. 
Indeed, it is to this species we owe much of the 
high coloring found in some of the most popular 
varieties. 

Rhododendron albiflorum. 

A very distinct and beautiful species, native of 
high regions in the Rocky Mountains. It is a low 
shrub, bearing the leaves in tufts at the ends of the 
branches, and below them a few small drooping 
creamy-white flowers, which bear little resemblance 
to those of other Rhododendrons. It first bloomed 
in England in 1837, but probably is not now in 
cultivation. Figured in Bot. Mag. t. 3670, and in 
Hook. Fl. Bor. Am., vol. 2, p. 43, t. 133. 

Rhododendron anthopogon 

Is a small-flowered species, with rusty leaves and 
yellowish-white flowers, not especially ornamental. 
It is not hardy. A native of the Himalayas. Fig- 
ured in Bot. Mag. 68, t. 3947. 

Rhododendron campanulatum. 

This is a magnificent species, native of the moun- 
tain of Gosainthan, in Nepal. In England it is 



60 THE RHODODENDRON. 

hardy, but the flowers expand so early as to be 
often injured by the frost ; therefore, with us it would 
require house protection. The flowers are rosy- 
lavender, with dark spots ; the foliage deep green, 
rusty underneath. Figured in Bot. Mag. 6Q, t. 3759 ; 
and in Sweet's, Fl. G. II. t. 241. 

The variety R. c. superbum (Pax. Mag. 16, p. 190) 
has waxy white flowers, spotted with crimson-purple. 

Rhododendron caucasicum. 

This is a small species, in its native country 
forming a low shrub, with procumbent branches ; a 
native of the Caucasus, on high rocks, near the 
limits of perpetual snow. 

The flowers are white, tinged with purple or rose. 

It is a desirable species, and should prove hardy 
with slight protection. Figured in Bot. Mag. 28, 
t. 1145. 

Variety stramineum has straw-colored flowers, and 
is a very handsome plant. Figured in Bot. Mag. 
62, t. 3422. 

Variety album is a hybrid with the white variety 
of Azalea pontica, and resembles an Azalea more 
than a Rhododendron. Figured in Bot. Mag. 67 
t. 3811. 

Variety pulcherrimum is a hybrid between arbo- 
reum and caucasicum. The flowers are rosy, and 
very showy. 



DESCRIPTION OP THE RHODODENDRON. 61 

Variety Nobleanum has bright scarlet flowers, 
and is a very beautiful kind. There are also sub- 
varieties with rose and pink flowers ; but that called 
Nobleanum snperbum is the best. 

Rhododendron chrysanthum. 

This pretty little species is a native of Siberia and 
other extreme northern countries : it is also found 
in the Caucasus Mountains. It is a low shrub, never 
exceeding one foot in height, with evergreen leaves, 
and large, irregular, yellow flowers. 

While perfectly hardy, it is difficult to cultivate, 
the heat of summer probably affecting it unfavorably. 
It is rarely found in cultivation. Figured in Wood. 
Med. 2, 103 ; and in Steph. Med. 2, 80. 

Rhododendron punctatum. 

This pretty species, although a native of Carolina 
and Georgia, generally stands the winter with us ; 
although the foliage is usually somewhat disfigured, 
and the flower-buds are killed if the mercury falls 
much below zero. The foliage is dark green, covered 
below with rusty dots, whence the name ; the flow- 
ers are small, pink, very pretty, but not especially 
showy. The habit of the plant is straggling. It is 
worth growing in a collection, but is only interesting 
for variety. Seedlings vary much in shade and 
markings of the flowers. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 49, t. 2285 ; Bot. Reg. 1, 
t. 37; and And. Rep. l,t. 36. 

Sometimes called B. minus. 



62 THE RHODODENDRON. 



Rhododendron hirsutum. 

A low-growing species, and the most common of 
the dwarf Rhododendrons. The leaves are small, 
evergreen, thickly covered with rusty hairs ; the 
flowers pale red, in small clusters. 

Native of the Alps, and one of the flowers most 
commonly sent home in collections of Alpine plants. 
This and R. ferrugineum are known as the " Alpen 
Rose." 

This plant is useful for the edges of beds of Amer- 
ican plants, but is not showy. Figured in Bot. Mag. 
43, t. 1853. 

Variety variegatum is a more showy plant than 
the species, and the foliage variegated with yellow 
is very pretty. It can be readily obtained from 
England, but is not common. 

Rhododendron ferrugineum. 

Although this plant and the last are considered 
by some botanists as but varieties of one species, 
the differences are quite sufficient to abundantly 
distinguish them. The foliage of R. ferrugineum 
is smooth above, rusty and dotted below, and far 
larger than R. hirsutum ; the flowers are also much 
larger, lighter-colored, and the habit of the plant is 
taller. The buds seldom open until other Rhodo- 
dendrons, except R. maximum, are out of bloom ; 
and this renders it a very valuable species. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 63 

The blossoms cover the whole plant, and, though 
not brilliant in color, in the mass are very showy. 
It stands the coldest winters uninjured, will grow 
in any moist garden soil, and never fails to bloom. 

Figured in Lodd. Cab. t. 65, though the flower is 
too bright in color. 

Variety album, figured in Sweet's, Fl. Gr. II. 
t. 258, has white flowers. We do not now find it 
in any catalogues. 

Rhododendron lapponicum. 

A small Alpine species, growing about six inches 
high, with small violet-purple flowers. We have not 
seen it in cultivation, although it can easily be 
obtained from the White Mountains. Probably, like 
all Alpines, it would prove of difficult cultivation. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 58, t. 3106. 

Rhododendron kamtschaticum. 

A low-growing species, with purple flowers, native 
of Kamtschatka ; probably not now to be found in 
cultivation. 

Rhododendron chamjecistus. 

This species, in foliage, is wholly unlike a Rho- 
dodendron, the leaves rather resembling some species 
of thyme. It is a, native of the European Alps and 
of Siberia ; and would probably prove hardy, with 



64 THE RHODODENDRON. 

slight protection, such as a winter covering of pine- 
needles, as it never exceeds a few inches in height. 

The flowers are large, for the plant ; pale purple, 
and very handsome. 

Figured in Pax. Mag. 3, p. 169 ; Bot. Mag. 14, 
t. 488 ; Lodd. Cab. 1491. 

We now come to the most showy of the family, 
the magnificent species of the Sikkim Himalayas. 
Of these . we can only briefly cite from English 
authorities. We have had no experience in their 
culture. They are all tender, — many true green- 
house plants ; others will stand a few degrees of frost. 
These latter are worthy of cultivation in a Rhodo- 
dendron-house. 

The magnificent work of Hooker, on the " Rho- 
dodendrons of the Sikkim Himalaya," from which 
we derive most of our information, gives beautiful 
colored figures of these noble species. We have 
also given references to such figures as we have 
been able to find in other illustrated works ; but our 
notice of all these species must necessarily be 
brief, and can only serve to call the attention of 
the amateur to the wealth of floral beauty which is 
within his reach. 

All the best species can now be obtained of Eng- 
lish nurserymen, and many fine hybrids have been 
originated within the last ten years. 

We also mention some of the tropical Rhododen- 
drons: species of easy growth with stove-heat, 
many of which are exquisitely beautiful, and some 
deliciously fragrant. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 65 



Rhododendron Dalhousle. 

This species, one of the noblest of the family, pro- 
duces flowers three to four inches in diameter ; white, 
tinged with rose, and very fragrant. 

It is parasitical on the trunks of oaks and mag- 
nolias, in its native habitat ; but in cultivation does 
not require the treatment of an epiphyte, growing 
freely in the ground or inarched on other species. 
No description can do justice to its beauty ; but some 
idea may be formed by reference to the illustrations 
in Hook. Rhod. tab. 1 and 2 ; Bot, Mag. 79, t. 4718, 
and 88, t. 5322 ; Fl. des Serres, 5, t. 460-468. 



Rhododendron barbatum. 

A tall-growing species, attaining the height of 
sixty feet ; the leaf-stalks covered with long bristles, 
or hairs. The flowers are blood-color, in a close, 
compact head ; very handsome. This species has 
proved hardy in England. Figured in Hook. Rhod. 
pi. 3 ; and Fl. des Serres, 5, t. 469-472. 

Rhododendron lancifolium. 

A shrubby species, with lanceolate, coriaceous 
leaves, and small, close heads of rich crimson 
flowers ; nearly allied to the foregoing, but wholly 
destitute of hairs. 

Figured in Hook. Rhod. pi. 4. 



6Q THE RHODODENDRON. 



Rhododendron Wallichii. 

A shrub attaining a height of about eight feet, 
with showy foliage, and large lilac flowers, with 
rosy dots. In foliage this species is distinct from all 
others. 

Figured in Hook. Rhod. pi. 5. It is, however, 
regarded as a form of R. campanulatum, and as such 
is figured in Bot. Mag. 82, t. 4928. 

Rhododendron Campbellle. 

A species often attaining the height of forty feet, 
and only distinguished slightly, botanically, from R. 
arboreum. Flowers scarlet, in close heads. 

Figured in Hook. Rhod. pi. 6. 

Rhododendron Roylii. 

A low-growing shrub, with brownish-red flowers, 
tipped with blue ; not a very showy species. 
Figured in Hook. Rhod. pi. 7. 

Rhododendron cinnabarinum. 

A small species, very distinct both in foliage and 
flower ; the former beautifully reticulated, the latter 
of a fine cinnabar color. 

Figured in Hook. Rhod. pi. 8. 

Variety pallidum has fine rose-colored flowers, in 
an irregular terminal umbel. Figured in Bot. Mag. 
80, t. 4788. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 67 



Rhododendron el^agnoides. 

A little known, low-growing species, from the 
snowy regions of the Himalayas. The flowers are 
usually yellow, but vary to deep-reel purple. 

Figured in Hook. Rhod. pi. 23. 

Rhododendron argenteum. 

A tall-growing, magnificent species, with leaves 
a foot long, by three or four inches in breadth. 
Mowers white, two or three inches long, and as 
much in diameter. 

Figured in Hook. Rhod. pi. 9; Bot. Mag. 84, 
t. 5054; and PI. des Serres, 5, t. 473-476. 

Rhododendron Falconeri. 

A large tree, with immense leaves, downy on the 
under side ; and heads of numerous, small, white 
flowers. A very distinct and striking species. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 82, t. 4924 ; Fl. des Serres 
5, t. 477, 480, and 11, t. 1166-67 ; Hook. Rhod. 
pi. 10. 



Rhododendron vaccinioides. 

A very small, straggling, epiphytal species, much 
resembling in growth and appearance the Himalaya 
vaccinum (F. obovatuni). The flowers are un- 
known. 



68 THE RHODODENDRON. 



Rhododendron niveum. 

A species much resembling R. arboreum, but dis- 
tinguished by the snow-white under surface of the 
foliage. Flowers light lavender-white color. 

Figured in Lem. Jar. t. 421 ; and Bot. Mag. 79, 
t. 4730. 

Rhododendron obovatum. 

A small, resinous shrub, with small red flowers ; 
nearly allied to R. lejridotum. 

Rhododendron lepidotum. 

A species with small flowers, existing in two 
varieties ; the one with yellow, the other with red- 
dish-purple flowers. 

It is a pretty species. Although native of high 
mountains, it would probably prove tender. 

Figured in Lem. Jar. pi. 343 ; Bot. Mag. 78, t. 
4657, and 80, t, 4802. 

Rhododendron Aucklandh. 

A magnificent species, the flowers often measuring 
five inches in diameter. Color white, tinged with 
pink. Leaves four to ten inches long, bright green. 

Figured in Revue Hort. 1855, 5; Hook. Rhod. 
pi. 11. 

This plant is sometimes referred to R. Gri£ 
ianum, as a variety. See Bot. Mag. 84, t. 5065. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 69 



Rhododendron Thomsoni. 

A shrubby species, noticeable for the deep blood- 
red color of the flowers, and their glossy surface. 
Foliage roundish. 

Figured in Fl. des Serres, 7, t. 688-690 ; Hook. 
Rhod. pi. 12 ; Bot. Mag. 83, t. 4997 ; Revue Hort. 
1855, t. 7. 

Rhododendron pendulum. 

An epiphytal species, native of damp, gloomy 
forests, on the branches of pine-trees. Shoots long, 
straggling ; leaves dull green, rusty below ; flowers 
small, white. Figured in Fl. des Serres, 7, t. 662 ; 
and Hook. Rhod. pi. 13. 

Rhododendron pumilum. 

This is the smallest of the Sikkim Rhododendrons, 
and one of the rarest and most beautiful. Leaves 
about half an inch long ; flowers very delicate rose- 
color. 

Figured in Fl. des Serres, 7, t. 667 ; and Hook. 
Rhod. pi. 14. 

Rhododendron Hodgsoni. 

A common Himalaya species, forming immense 
masses of jungle. Foliage large ; deep, brilliant 
green. Flowers in close heads, pale purple or rose- 
color. 



70 THE RHODODENDRON. 

Figured in Revue Hort. 1855, 22 ; Hook. Rhod. 
pi. 15 ; Bot. Mag. 92, t. 5552. 

Rhododendron lanatum. 

A small tree-like species ; leaves yellowish-green, 
tawny white below. Flower pale sulphur-colored, 
with red dots. A very pretty plant. 

Figured in Fl. des Serres, 7, t. 684; and in Hook. 
Rhod. pi. 16. 

Rhododendron glaucum. 

A pretty little plant, with glaucous foliage and 
pale purplish-pink flowers. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 79, t. 4721 ; Revue Hort. 
1855, t. 11 ; Hook. Rhod. pi. 17 ; Fl. des Serres, 7, 
t. 672. 

Rhododendron Maddeni. 

A magnificent plant, with large, campanulate, 
white flowers, often tinged with pink. Foliage clear 
green, tawny below. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 80, t. 4805 ; Fl. des Serres, 
9, t. 912 ; Hook. Rhod. 18 ; Revue Hort. 1855, 
16 ; Illus. Hort, 1857, t. 140. 

Rhododendron triflorum. 

A small shrub, with pale greenish-yellow flowers 
much resembling an azalea, growing in clusters of 
three. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 71 

Figured in Fl. des Serres, 7, t. 673 ; Hook. Eliod. 
pi. 19. 

Rhododendron setosum. 

A small-growing species, much resembling a 
Rhodora in habit and flower. Leaves box-like, and 
evergreen ; flowers purplish, freely produced. The 
whole plant is strongly and disagreeably resinous. 
A native of the highest mountains, and very showy 
when in bloom. It would probably be hardy. 

Figured in Hook. Rhod. pi. 20. 

Rhododendron Edgeworthi. 

An epiphytal species, with superb flowers and 
neat, small foliage. Flowers white, tinged with 
blush or pale yellow, often four inches in diameter. 

Figured in Fl. des Serres, 8, t. 797-8 ; Hook. 
Rhod. pi. 21 ; Bot. Mag. 82, t. 4936. 

Rhododendron .eruginosum. 

A shrubby species, native of altitudes 15,000 feet 
above the level of the sea. Flowers lilac-rose, in 
small, close heads. 

Figured in Hook. Rhod. pi. 22. 

Rhododendron saligneum. 

A slender plant, with pale glaucous-green, droop- 
ing leaves. Flower light yellow, spotted with 
green, about an inch in diameter. A pretty species. 

Figured in Hook. Rhod. pi. 23. 



72 THE RHODODENDRON. 



ElIODODENDRON CILIATUM. 

A small shrub, attaining the height of two feet ; 
the whole plant hairy. Leaves dark green. Flower 
pale reddish-purple, very pretty. This species is 
one of the most easily grown of the Sikkim kinds, 
and flowers freely. 

Figured in Pax. Fl. G. t. 83 ; and Hook. Rhod. 
pi. 24. 

Variety roseo album differs in having rosy-white 
flowers, and, like the species, blooms freely when 
only a few inches high. This was the first of the 
Sikkim species which flowered in cultivation. 

Figured in Lem. Jar. t. 312 ; Bot. Mag. 78, t. 
4648 ; Fl. des Serres, 8, t. 766. 

Rhododendron fulgens. 

A native of high latitudes, and a very showy 
plant. Flowers in round, close heads, of a deep, 
glowing scarlet color. Foliage roundish ; tawny 
below. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 88, t, 5317 ; Fl. des Serres, 
8, t. 789 ; Hook. Rhod. pi. 25. 

Rhododendron nivale. 

A little plant, growing only two inches high, and 
attaining " a loftier elevation than any other shrub 
in the world." It much resembles R. lapponicum. 
The foliage is very small ; the flower about one- 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 73 

third of an inch in diameter, purple. The whole 
plant has an odor resembling cologne. 
Figured in Hook. Rhod. pi. 26. 

Rhododendron virgatum. 

A very slender, twiggy species, from Bootan. 
Mowers reddish-purple, solitary or in pairs. Foliage 
very glaucous. 

Figured in Hook. Rhod. pi. 26. 

See also Bot, Mag. 84, t. 5060; and Fl. des 
Serres, 14, t. 1408, for varieties which differ, in 
having pink and white flowers, and in their disposi- 
tion, — which is in the one axillary, in the other 
terminal. 

Rhododendron Wightii. 

A very large tree, with showy foliage ; rusty cin- 
namon-color below, rich green on the upper sur- 
face. Flowers bell-shaped, in dense clusters ; yellow, 
beautifully marked with red. A splendid species. 

Figured in Fl. des Serres, 8, t. 792-3; Hook. 
Rhod. pi. 27. 

Rhododendron camellleflorum. 

A singular epiphytal species, found growing 
upon pine-trees. Stems slender ; foliage small ; 
flowers white, resembling a single camellia. 

Figured in Hook. Rhod. pi. 28 ; and Bot. Mag. 
82, t. 4932. 

4 



74 THE RHODODENDRON. 



Rhododendron candelabrum. 

This plant, of which a beautiful figure is 
given in Hook. Rhod. pi. 29, is considered by Dr. 
Hooker as a pale-flowered variety of R. Thomsoni. 
(Hook. Rhod. pi. 12.) There are, however, some 
slight botanical differences between the two. 

Rhododendron campylocarpum. 

This species is a small shrub, and is one of 
the most charming of the Sikkim Rhododendrons. 
Foliage bright green ; flowers bell-shaped, sulphur- 
yellow, spotless, and fragrant. 

Figured in Hook. Rhod. pi. 30; Bot. Mag. 83, 
t. 4968. 

Rhododendron Nilagiricum. 

This plant much resembles R. arboreum, of 
which it may prove a variety. By some, however, 
it is considered identical with R. Camjjbellice. It is 
a native of Nepal, and bears large trusses of rosy- 
pink and white flowers. 

Figured in Fl. des Serres, 10, t. 1030-1 ; and 
Bot. Mag. 74, t. 4381. 

Rhododendron formosum 

Is a native of Silhet, in the east Himalaya range. 
The flowers are large, white, fragrant, and very 
showy. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 75, t. 4457. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 75 



Ehododendron Gibsoni 

Is a very fine species, with large, white flowers, 
with yellowish shading. The young foliage resem- 
bles an azalea. 

Figured in Pax. Mag. 8, p. 217 ; and Fl. des 
Serres, 1, t. 18. 

Rhododendron javanicum. 

This is a tropical species, but will thrive and 
bloom freely in a warm greenhouse. The foliage is 
bright glossy green ; the flowers orange-yellow, but 
very variable in shade. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 73, t. 4336 ; Pax. Mug. 15, 
p. 217 ; Fl. des Serres, 3, t. 293-4. 

Variety aurantiacum (Fl. des Serres, 6, t. 576) 
has trusses of vivid orange flowers, lighted with rosy 
tints. 

Rhododendron citrinum. 

This small species is also a native of Java. The 
flowers are small, drooping, light yellow. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 80, t. 4797 ; and in Fl. des 
Serres, 10, t. 970. 

Rhododendron jasminiflorum. 

This elegant species is a native of Malacca. The 
flowers are tubular, white, with deep pink eye ; the 



76 THE RHODODENDRON. 

foliage neat and showy. From this species some 
beautiful hybrids have been produced. 

Figured in Lem. Jar. t. 41 ; Bot. Mag. 76, t. 
4524 ; Illus. Hort. 1859, t. 203. 

Rhododendron Champions. 

This beautiful species is a native of Hong Kong. 
Botanically, it is nearly allied to R. formosum. The 
foliage is distinctly veined; the flowers rosy, or red- 
dish-pink, shading to a white throat, with broad, 
spreading petals. 

A variety is described with delicate, white flowers, 
the upper lip pale yellow, towards the centre copi- 
ously dotted with ochre. 

Figured in Lem. Jar. t. 208 ; and Bot. Mag. 77, 
t. 4609. 

Rhododendron Farrer^, 



Figured in Sweet's Fl. G. 2, t. 93, is a small, 
pink-flowered species from China. The flowers are 
very pretty, resembling azaleas. Probably not in 
cultivation. 

Rhododendron Metternichi. 

This is a Japanese species, a native of high 
mountains, and would doubtless prove hardy. 
The flowers are rather small, rosy-white, something 
like those of R. maximum. 

Figured in Sieb. Fl. Jap. pi. 9. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 77 



Rhododendron album. 

A very pretty Javanese species, with whitish-yel- 
low flowers ; foliage dark green, rich rust-color 
below. 

In habit this species resembles R. citrinum. A 
stove plant. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 83, t. 4972. 



Rhododendron Batemani 

Resembles as a species R. campanulatum. Flowers 
large, deep crimson-red. Native of Himalaya. 
Figured in Bot. Mag. 89, t. 5387. 



Rhododendron blandfordianum. 

A Himalayan species, very variable both in flower 
and foliage. Color brick-red, orange, or even 
greenish. 

A fine figure is given in Illus. Hort. 3, t. 112. 
See also Bot. Mag. 82, t. 4930 ; and Fl. des Serres, 
11, t. 1173. 

Rhododendron Boothii. 

A very showy, tender species, from Central Asia. 
Flowers small, bright yellow ; foliage, when young, 
very hairy. Figured in Illus. Hort. 3, t. 174. 



78 THE RHODODENDRON. 



Rhododendron Brookianum. 

A rare and splendid kind, native of Borneo, 
and, in its wild state, epiphytal. Flowers large, 
rich golden yellow. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 82, t. 4935 ; and Fl. des 
Serres, 12, t. 1238-9. 



Rhododendeon calophyllum. 

A fine species, native of the Bootan Mountains, 
where Mr. Booth discovered sixteen new species, 
emulating the example of Hooker, who found forty- 
three in the Sikkim Himalayas. 

Flowers large, white, very showy. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 83, t. 5002 ; also in Hen. 
111. Bou. pi. 19. 

Rhododendron grande. 

A tall-growing species from India. Figured in 
Wight, vol. 4, t. 1202. 

Probably not in cultivation. 

Rhododendron Griffithianum. 

A fine species, with large, white flowers. Figured 
in Wight, vol. 4, t. 1203. R. Aucklandii (Bot. 
Mag. 84, t. 5065) is sometimes referred to this 
species. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 79 



'Rhododendron Hookeri. 

One of the Bootan species, of tall habit, and only 
found at high elevations. Flowers very regular, of 
rich scarlet color. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 82, t. 4926. 

Rhododendron Kendrickii. 

A species with dark foliage, wdrich varies much in 
width. Flowers in large trusses, scarlet. 

Figured in (variety latifoliuni) Bot. Mag. 85, 
t. 5129. 

Rhododendron. Keysii. 

A very singular species, wholly dissimilar in 
flower from all other Rhododendrons. The flowers 
are dull red, tipped with pale yellow, and are pro- 
duced in clusters from the old wood. In habit it is 
a small shrub, a native of Bootan, and has proved 
hardy in England. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 81, t. 4875; and Fl. des 
Serres, 11, t. 1110. 

Rhododendron moulmaynense. 

A small, slender-growing species, producing deli- 
cate white flowers, tinged with yellow. Native of 
Moulmain. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 82, t. 4904. 



80 THE RHODODENDRON. 



Rhododendron Shepherdii. 

One of the Bootan kinds, much resembling R. 
Kenclrickii. Flowers deep scarlet, in large trusses. 
Figured in Bot. Mag. 85, t. 5125. 

Rhododendron Nuttallii. 

A superb species ; in Bhotan, its native country, 
forming a tree thirty feet high. The leaves are 
nearly a foot long, and the single, white flowers 
measure six inches in diameter. It is not a free 
bloomer in cultivation. The flowers are white, 
shaded to light yellow, and are very beautiful. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 85, t. 5146 ; Fl. des Serres, 
13, t. 1326 ; Illus. Hort. 1859, t. 208 ; Hen. 111. 
Bou. pi. 21. 

Rhododendron retusum. 

A native of western Java and Sumatra, generally 
on high mountains. The flowers are small, but of a 
bright scarlet color, very rich and showy ; foliage 
bright evergreen. 

A fine figure of this plant is given in Illus. Hort. 
2, t. 76. See also Bot. Mag. 81, t. 4859 ; Fl. des 
Serres, 10, t. 1044. 

Rhododendron Smithii. 

Another of the Bootan species. Foliage rich 
dark green ; flowers rich red, in large, close heads. 
Figured in Bot. Mag. 85, t. 5120. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 81 



Rhododendron Veichianum. 

A magnificent species, from Moulmain. Flowers 
very large and showy, white, with wavy petals, as in 
some of the Indian azaleas. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 83, t. 4992 ; Fl. des Serres, 
14, t. 1416, and 15, t. 1519-20. 

Rhododendron Windsorii. 

A Bootan species, which proves hardy in Eng- 
land. Foliage dull, opaque green ; silvery below. 
Flowers rosy-red or white. 

Figured in Bot, Mag. 83, t. 5008. 

Rhododendron Lobbianum. 

A fine stove species, from Penan g, intermediate 
between it. javanicimi and Brooldanum. Foliage 
bright evergreen ; flowers bright yellow. 

Figured in Fl. Mag. pi. 10. 

Rhododendron Thibaudiense. 

This pretty species is nearly related to R. Keysii, 

which it resembles in the peculiar form of the 

flowers ; but, unlike that species, they are terminal, 

and not produced on the old wood. It is a very 

showy plant, native of Bhotan. 

Figured in Fl. Mag. pi. 253. 

4* 



82 THE RHODODENDRON. 



Rhododendron Fortuni. 

A Chinese species, resembling — both in foliage, 
form of flower, and fragrance — R. Griffithianum ; 
but differing in color of flower, which is in this 
plant a delicate rose. Hardy in England. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 92, t. 5596. 

It is not improbable that the next few years may 
give us new species of these magnificent Rhododen- 
drons. The mountains of Asia have proved won- 
derfully rich in new plants, and seem the true 
kingdom of this glorious flower. The beauty of 
the species already known is such that it seems 
impossible that finer kinds can be discovered. We 
have already beauty, size, and richness of foliage ; 
color, size, symmetry, and fragrance of flower; and 
good habit in the plant, — which leave us nothing 
to expect and nothing to desire. 

The varieties we now mention are hybrids, gen- 
erally from species we have already described. 

Rhododendron Aprilis. 

A hybrid between ponticwn and dauricwn ; color 
rose. Figured in Bot. Reg. 29, t. 62. 
Probably lost from cultivation. 

Rhododendron alstromerioides 

Is a cross between an azalea and R. caucasicum 
album. The flowers are prettily spotted, but there 
are hundreds of better kinds. 

Figured in Lem. Jar. t. 384. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 83 



Rhododendron Wilsoni, 



Figured in Bot. Mag. 85, t. 5116, is a hybrid 
:tween R. ciliatum and R. gh 
are rosy-red, and very pretty. 



between R. ciliatum and R. glaucum. The flowers 



Rhododendron precox. 

An early-blooming variety, raised from R. daw- 
ricum atrovirens and ciliatum. The flowers are 
bright rosy-lilac, and freely produced. Probably 
hardy. 

Figured in Fl. Mag. pi. 58. 

Rhododendron Prince of Wales (Rollinson's) 

Is a hybrid between R. javanicum and retusum. 
Flowers tubular, orange, very showy. Requires 
stove culture. 

Figured in Fl. Mag. pi. 155. 

Rhododendron carneum. 

Flowers pale pinkish-white, with green spots ; a 
hybrid between R. arboreum and some variety of 
Azalea sinensis. 

Figured in Fl. des Serres, 1846, t. 3. 

Rhododendron Cartoni, 

A seedling between Azalea nudiflora and Rhodo- 
dendron Catawbiense, has pretty purplish flowers, 
with lighter centre, much resembling R. Govenia- 
num. The foliage is evergreen in ordinary winters. 

Figured in Bot. Reg. 17, t. 1449. 



84 THE RHODODENDRON. 



Rhododendron CATJCASICUM ARBOREUM 

Is a hybrid between R. arboreum and caucasicum. 
The flowers are pink, and very pretty. Figured in 
Maud. Bot. 4, p. 157. 

R. venustum of Sweet, Fl. G. 2, t. 285, is the 
same plant. 

Rhododendron Denisoni 

Was raised from R. Dalhousice, crossed with R. 
Edgeworthi and G-ibsoni. The flowers are large, 
white, lighted with straw-color. 

Figured in Fl. Mag. p. 291. 

Rhododendron album speciosum. 

A tender, white - flowered variety, beautifully 
spotted. 

Figured in Illus. Hort. 1, t. 1. 

Rhododendron Sesterianum. 

A cross between R. Edgeivorthi and Gibsoni. 
Flowers white, very large, marked with reddish-yel- 
low spots. 

Figured in Illus. Hort. 9, t. 345, 

Rhododendron Princess Alexandra, 

A hybrid from R. jasminiflonim, has large, fra- 
grant, white flowers, tinged with pink. 
Figured in Fl. Mag. pi. 245. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 85 



Rhododendron Princess Helena 

Was also raised from R. jasminiflorum, fertilized 
with a scarlet seedling. The flowers are long, 
tubular, bright pink, and very showy. 

Figured in Fl. Mag. pi. 220. 

Rhododendron Princess Alice 

Is the result of crossing R. ciliatum and Edge- 
worthi. The flowers are very large, pure white, 
the buds tipped with pink. 

Figured in Fl. Mag. pi. 206. 

Rhododendron Madame Van Houtte 

Is a hybrid of R. maximum, and of course hardy. 
The truss is very large, the flowers bright pinkish- 
white. 

Figured in Fl. des Serres, 15, t. 1606-7. 

Rhododendron Othello (Yan Houtte) 

Is also a hybrid from R. maximum, which it 
resembles in the shape of the truss. Flowers deep 
reddish-purple. 

Figured in Fl. des Serres, 12, t. 1274. 

Rhododendron Grand Due de Bade 

Is derived from the hybrid omniguttatum, fertil- 
ized with R. cinnamomeum. The flowers are white, 
flaked all over with dark reddish-purple. 

Figured in Illus. Hort. 11, t. 423. 



86 THE RHODODENDRON. 



Rhododendron Madame Wagner 

Is a hybrid from R. caucasicum. The flowers are 
white, edged with cherry, the petals crimped. 
Figured in Illus. Hort. 2, t. 66. 

Rhododendron Madame Picouline 

Is a hybrid between R. ferrugineum and arbor eum. 
The flowers are white, intensely spotted. 
Figured in Illus. Hort. 3, t. 84. 

Rhododendron omniguttatum 

Is probably derived from R. ponticum. Flower 
small bright rose, beautifully marked with crimson. 
Figured in Illus. Hort. 7, t. 244. 

Rhododendron myrtifolium 

Is a cross between R. hirsutum and punctatum; 
a hardy variety, suitable for small beds, or the 
edges of larger ones. Flowers reddish-pink. 

Figured in Lodd. Cab. t. 908. 

Rhododendron fragrans. 

This is a chance seedling from R. Cataivbiense, 
probably hybridized with an azalea. The foliage 
is fine evergreen ; the flowers pale purple, and fra- 
grant. A desirable hardy variety. 

Figured in Pax. Mag. 10, p. 147. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 87 



Rhododendron hybridum 

Is a dwarf, neat variety, of uncertain parentage. 
While very pretty, the foliage has with us been badly 
cut up by the winter. The plant figured under this 
name in Bot. Reg., 1. 195, is not that now known as 
such. 

Rhododendron Govenianum. 

This variety was produced from a hardy azalea, 
crossed with a hybrid of R. ponticum and Cataw- 
biense. With us it is not an evergreen, except in 
very mild winters. Flowers fragrant, pale reddish- 
purple ; habit slender, much resembling an azalea. 

Figured in Sweet, Fl. G. 1, t. 263. 

Rhododendron Torlonianum. 

A hybrid, like the last, and in habit much resem- 
bling it. 

The flowers are whitish purplish-pink, but vary in 
shade. Both this and the last variety suffer some- 
what in severe winters ; and, while pretty, they are 
not especially to be recommended. 

Rhododendron arboreum cinnamomeum 

Was raised from seed obtained by crossing R. 
maximum with R. cinnamomeum. The foliage is 
very large, and tawny below ; the truss large ; 
flowers white, with dark purple spots. 

Figured in Pax. Fl. G. p. 16. 



88 THE RHODODENDRON. 



Rhododendron Comtesse Ferdinand Visant. 

A seedling of Van Houtte's, from R. campanular 
tiim, fertilized with R. cinnamomeum. Flowers 
creamy white, bordered with delicate rose. 

Figured in Fl. des Serres, 9, t. 935. 

Rhododendron daphnoides. 

This is a pretty dwarf variety, of which we have 
been unable to find the origin. The flowers are pink 
or rose-colored, and very pretty. 

Rhododendron ovatum. 

Another dwarf variety, with rosy flowers and neat 
foliage. Both this and the last are generally hardy, 
although the foliage often gets browned by the winter. 

Rhododendron Countess of Haddington. 

A hybrid, between R. Dalhoiisice and cillatum; 
of neat, evergreen habit, and large, white, blush- 
tinted flowers. Figured in Hen. Illus. Bou. pi. 82. 

Rhododendron aureum magnificum. 

This variety, which is probably the same as that 
figured in Sweet, and which we have before men- 
tioned under the name of R. Smithii aureum, is one 
of a lot of seedlings produced by crossing a Rhodo- 
dendron with a species of yellow azalea QA. sinensis^). 
In habit they are robust ; the foliage is sub-ever- 
green, partaking of the character of both parents. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 



89 



The following list we copy from " Henderson's 
Illustrated Bouquet," where a fine plate is given : — 



Aureum magnificum 
„ punctatum 
„ superbum 

Album jiavum . 

JBianca .... 

Burlingtonii . 

Carneum versicolor 

Congestum aureum 
Cupreum 



Delicatum aureum 



Gloriosum 
Jenkinsii 



Maeranthum jiavum 

Ornatum . . . 



Primulinum form osum 
„ elegans . 



clear bright yellow ; large truss, 
primrose, spotted with orange, 
fine yellow, deep orange spots, 
blush white, orange-yellow spots, 
pure white, yellow spots, 
bright yellow; large truss, 
yellow - pink edging, finely 

spotted, 
good yellow ; compact truss, 
rich coppery - orange, suffused 

with pink, 
blush pink, with large blotch of 

orange spots. 
white, spotted with yellow, 
lemon, tinged with pink ; large 

truss, 
shaded pink, with buff-yellow 

centre, 
sulphur - yellow, with orange 

spots ; large truss, 
clear primrose - yellow, orange 

spots, 
light primrose, with pale spots ; 

compact truss. 



We are not aware that any of these have been 
tested in this country, but hope soon to be able 
to report from experience upon their merits and 
hardiness. 



90 THE RHODODENDRON. 



Rhododendron Catawbiense. 

Magnificent as are the flowers of the Himalayan 
and Bhotan Rhododendrons, it is not too much to 
say that our gardens owe more to this species than 
to any other. A large proportion of the species and 
varieties we have described are tender or preca- 
riously hardy. But for the garden and shrubbery 
we need plants which will endure any winter, and 
for these we must look to the so-called " Cataw- 
biense hybrids." 

The species is a native of the Southern States, 
usually upon the mountains. It is a tall shrub, 
with lilac-purple flowers, evergreen foliage, and 
quite a pretty species ; but the parent is seldom 
grown, being lost in the multitude of seedling 
varieties. To trace the parentage of these varieties 
is generally impossible. They range in color from 
rose or white to deep purple, and vary greatly in 
foliage. 

Every year hundreds of thousands of seedlings 
are raised, the best of which receive names, and are 
thrown upon the market: most of these, in turn, 
give place to newer, yet often no better kinds, 
although from the first there has been a steady 
improvement in color, constitution, and foliage. 

In the following list we have selected those which 
the popular verdict in England has pronounced the 
best. A large number of them are in our own col- 
lection ; and we describe them as hardy or tender, 
according to our experience. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 91 

Where figures of any have been given in illus- 
trated periodicals, we have referred to the plate. 
For convenience we give the list alphabetically. 

Many of these have the blood of many species ; 
and some, perchance, have no trace of Catawbiense, 
yet, as hardy garden Rhododendrons, their place 
seems to be in this list, and, without vouching for 
parentage, we call the class 



Catawbiense Hybrids. 

Achievement . . . One of Anthony Waterer's new 

seedlings of 1870; rosy-scar- 
let, with a clear white centre ; 
very showy. 

Aclandianum . . . Delicate blush, deeply spotted 

with chocolate ; precariously 
hardy. 

Acutilobum .... Cherry -red, shaded ; truss large, 

petals acute. Figured in 
Illus. Hort. 4, t. 149. 

Admiration .... Bright rosy-crimson, very dark 

spots. 

Alaric Dark purple, shaded with crim- 
son or plum color ; large truss 
and flower ; hardy. 

Alarm A very beautiful flower ; centre 

white, edged with pale scar- 
let or crimson ; flower rather 
small; tender. 

Album Pure white ; free bloomer, fine 

foliage ; hardy. 



92 



THE RHODODENDRON. 



Album elegans , . 



Album grandiflorum 



Album triumphans 
Alexander Adie . 



Amilcar 



Ambroise 



Andersoni 
Ange Vervaet 



Annihilator . . 

r 

Archeduc Etienne 



Archimedes . . 



Ascot Brilliant 



Blush, changing to white ; large 
flower, tall habit, good foli- 
age ; perfectly hardy. 

Flower like the last, but some- 
what larger ; truss large ; fine 
foliage ; perfectly hardy. 

A very fine white, large flower. 

Brilliant rosy - scarlet ; close, 
handsome truss. 

Bright violet-purple, with a red- 
dish tinge, intense blotch of 
black spots on the upper 
petal. Figured in Fl. Mag. 
pi. 18. 

White, bordered with rich cochi- 
neal - red ; tender. Figured 
in Fl. des Ser. 8, t. 945. 

White ; good foliage ; hardy. 

Clear pink, white throat, in- 
tensely spotted with carmine. 
Figured in Fl. des Ser. 18, 
1870-1. 

Bright rosy-scarlet. 

White ; upper petals deeply 
spotted with maroon-brown. 
Figured in Illus. Hort. 13, 
t. 491. 

Bright rosy-crimson, with lighter 
centre ; very distinct ; hardy. 

A seedling of John Standish, 
from R. Blandyanum with R. 
Thomsoni ; flowers deepest 
blood - color, having the ap- 
pearance of being crystallized. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 93 

Athene White, with yellow blotch. 

Atrosanguineum . . Deep blood-red ; flower of great 

substance, fine foliage ; hardy. 

Attila Dark purple, shaded with crim- 
son ; hardy. 

Augustus Same as Alaric. 

Auguste Van Geert . Light rosy-purple, marked with 

brown. 

Aurora Bright rosy-lake ; free and late 

bloomer. 

Azureum Bluish-lilac ; hardy. 

Barclayanum . . . Deep rosy-crimson ; fine truss 

and foliage ; late bloomer ; 
hardy. 

Baron Cuvier . . . Lilac, chocolate blotch. 

Baronesse Lionel "> White, with scarlet - crimson 
Rothschild . . . > margin. 

Bertie Parsons . . A seedling of Parsons & Co., 

of Flushing, Long Island ; of 
good form, and lilac-pink or 
mauve color, with brown eye ; 
hardy. 

Bicolor Rose, clear white spot on the 

upper petals ; hardy. 

Bijou de Gand . . White, edged with rose, beauti- 
fully spotted; tender. Fig- 
ured in Illus. Hort. 7, t. 261. 

Blanche superbe . . Waxy white, green eye. 

Blandyanum .... Deep rosy - crimson ; beautiful 

flower ; fine habit and foliage ; 
hardy. 

Blatteum Claret - crimson, shaded and 

spotted ; fine form and truss ; 
precariously hardy. 



94 



THE RHODODENDRON. 



Brabantia .... Dark rich crimson. 

Brayanum Vivid crimson, lighter centre; 

fine foliage and truss ; a 
dazzling flower ; generally 
hardy. 

Brennus Rich crimson-lake. 

Brilliant Crimson-scarlet ; free bloomer, 

dwarf habit; same as Sun of 
Austerlitz ; tender. 

Broughtoni .... Rosy - crimson ; fine foliage ; 

large truss ; tender. 

Brutus Pale rose, large flower. 

Bylsianum .... Clear white ground, the tips of 

the petals edged with bright 
crimson-pink ; a very beauti- 
ful variety. Figured in Illus. 
Hort. 5, t. 155; and Hen. 
Illus. Bou. pi. 18. 

Candidissimum . . . Blush, changing to pure white ; 

tender. 

Candidissimum (Far- 
sons') 

Candidum .... 

Caractacus . . . 



Chancellor . 



Charles Bagley 



Charles Dickens 



Chionoides . . 



Pure white ; hardy. 

Blush. 

Rich purplish - crimson ; fine 
truss ; foliage and habit ; 
probably hardy. 

Light jxirple, deeply spotted ; 
large truss ; hardy. 

Cherry - red ; fine truss ; prob- 
ably hardy. 

Dark scarlet ; fine foliage ; a 
beautiful variety ; probably 
hardy. 

Creamy white, fine form. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 95 

Climax Deep scarlet-crimson, with dark 

spots on the upper petals ; 
probably hardy. Figured in 
Fl. Mag. pi. 65. 

Chloe Crimson-lake, spotted. 

Cliveanum .... Pinkish - white ; large truss ; 

tender. Figured in Bot. 
Mag. 75, t. 4478. 

Clowesianum . . . White, purple spots. Figured 

in Fl. des Ser. 13, t. 1315. 

Ccelestinum . . . .^ Blush, yellow eye. 

Ccelestinum pictum . I Blush, purple-spottecl. 

Ccelestinum grandi- f Blush, yellow eye ; large truss, 

florum J and fine foliage; all fine, 

hardy varieties. 

Ccerulescens . . . Bluish white; hardy. 

Columbus Clear purple, spotted ; hardy. 

Concessum .... Light centre, clear rosy-pink 

margin ; an exquisite variety ; 
tender. 

Congestum roseum . Light rose, dark spots ; fine 

foliage. 

Comet Bright scarlet. 

Comte de Gomer . . White, edged with rosy -crim- 
son; fine form. Figured in 
Illus. Hort. t. 230. 

Coriaceum .... Yellowish, changing to pure 

white ; dwarf, free blooming ; 
hardy. 

Correggio .... Clear dark scarlet. 

Countess of Devon . French white, rosy edges ; upper 

petals spotted with purplish- 
crimson. Figured in Fl. 
Mag.pl. 162. 



96 



THE RHODODENDRON. 



Cruentum . . 

CuRRIEANUM . 



Decorator . 
Delicatissimum, 

Desdemona . 

Dona Maria 



Dorkinsii .... 
Due de Brabant . 

Duchess de Nassau 



Duchess of Suther- 
land 

Duke of Cambridge 



Duke of Norfolk 
E. C. Baring . . 



Edward S. Rand . 



Elfrida 
Eminent 



Rich lake, fine deep color ; prob- 
ably tender 

Dark rosy-lilac, spotted ; fine 
form and truss ; precariously 
hardy. 

Clear bright rose, dark spots. 

Blush- white, tinted with pink ; 
hardy. 

Blush, richly marked on the 
upper petals. 

White, tinged with pink, deeply 
marked with yellow and red 
spots. Figured in El. des 
Ser. 10, t. 1040. 

Dark, clear chocolate-crimson. 

Salmon-white, spotted ; semi- 
double ; tender. 
Pink, white centre, intensely 
spotted with brown. Fig- 
ured in Illus. Ilort. 12, t. 450. 
) A\'hite centre, shading to broad 
) margin of rosy-lilac. 

Bright crimson - scarlet, pale 
centre. 

Clear rose ; same as Rubens. 

Glowing crimson; fine habit; 
a new seedling of Anthony 
Waterer. 

Another of Mr. Waterer's new 
seedlings ; crimson ; immense 
truss ; fine Catawbiense habit ; 
probably hardy. 

Bright rosy-crimson, dark spots : 

a fine flower. 
Rosy -lilac. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 



97 



Erectum 

Etendard de Flandres 



Etoile de Villiers . 



EVERESTIANUM . . . 



Fastuosum: flore | 

PLENO j 



Faust 

Fleur de Flandres 



Fleur de Marie 



Francis Dickson 



Gemmiferum . . . 
General Cabrera 



Gens eric 



Georgianum 

GlGANTEUM 



Rosy-crimson ; good habit. 

Lavender-white, finely spotted; 
generally hardy. Figured in 
Fl. des Ser. 8, t. 783-4. 

Rose, shading to white, deeply 
marked with yellow spots. 
Figured in Fl. des Ser. 11, 
t. 1084. 

Rosy-lilac, spotted and fringed ; 
fine foliage ; free bloomer ; 
the best hardy Rhododen- 
dron. 

Lilac, fading to lavender ; im- 
mense truss of double flowers, 
remaining long in bloom ; 
very showy and desirable ; 
precariously hardy. Figured 
in Fl. des Ser. 2, t. 143-4. 

Pale lilac, beautifully blotched. 

Reddish-pink, deeply spotted 
with purple and green. Fig- 
ured in Fl. des Ser. 17, t. 
1816-17. 

Bright rosy-crimson, blotched 
with white. 

Brilliant scarlet; a fine late 
bloomer ; probably tender. 

Rosy-crimson, light centre. 

Crimson, with blotch of dark 
spots ; large flower ; tender. 

Purplish-crimson, shaded to 
scarlet. 

Light pink, distinct. 

Light rose ; large truss ; fine 
foliage ; hardy. 



98 THE RHODODENDRON. 

Glennyanum .... Light pink ; pretty, but tender. 

Gloriosum .... Blush-white ; large flower ; 

hardy. 

Grandiflorum . . . Clear rose ; fine truss ; good 

foliage; free bloomer; and 
very hardy. 

Gloire de Belle vue Rose, finely spotted. 

Guido Crimson ; probably hardy. 

Gulnare Blush-pink ; fine form. 

Hannibal Rose, shading to blush and 

lighted with white ; a fine, 
late-blooming, hardy kind. 

Hendersoni .... Dark purplish ; hardy. 

Henry Bessamer • • Rich crimson, intensely blotched 

with black markings, and well 
defined ; one of Mr. Water- 
er's new seedlings. 

Hester Fine white, reddish-brown spots. 

H. H. Hunnewell . Dark rich crimson ; good habit ; 

fine foliage ; probably hardy. 

Hogarth Rosy - crimson ; a fine, late- 
blooming variety ; precari- 
ously hardy. 

H. W. Sargent . . . Crimson ; enormous truss ; fine 

habit and foliage; probably 
hardy. 

Iago Rosy-violet, dark spots. 

Ingrami Blush, blotched with lemon; 

fine form. 

James Bateman . . Clear rosy-scarlet ; good form ; 

probably hardy. 

James Nasmyth . . Rich mulberry, with distinct- 
orange spot ; one of Mr. Wa- 
terer's new seedlings. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 



99 



James Mcintosh . . 
J. Marshall Brooks 



John Spencer . . . 



John Waterer . . . 



johnsonianum . . . 
Joseph Whitworth . 



Lady Annette de 
Tr afford 



TTE DE "l 



Lady Armstrong . . 

Lady Clermont . . 

Lady Dorothy Ne- 
ville 



Lady Eleanor Cath- 

cart 

Lady Emily Peel . . 
Lady Falmouth . . 
Lady Godiva . . . 

Lee's Purple . . . 

Lady Frances Cross- 
ley 



"Rosy-scarlet. 

Scarlet, with rich brown blotch ; 
a new seedling of Mr. Wa- 
terer. 

A fine truss of rosy flowers, 
margined with deep pink ; a 
late bloomer, and probably 
hard} 7 ". 

Intense dark crimson ; a fine, 
free-blooming variety ; large 
flower and fine form. 

Brilliant crimson ; tender. 

Dark lake, with darker spots ; 
large flowers ; fine foliage. 

Pale rose, intensely blotched 
with chocolate ; a new seed- 
ling of Mr. Waterer's. 

Pale rose, beautifully spotted ; 
probably hardy. 

Rosy-scarlet, intensely blotched 
with black ; probably hardy. 

Lavender-white, finely spotted ; 
same as Etendard de 
Flandres. 

Clear bright rose, with chocolate- 
crimson spots ; very beautiful. 

Bright rose, chocolate spots. 

Clear rose, deep black blotch. 

White, finely spotted with ochre; 
large flower. 

Dark purple; a fine bloomer; 
hardy, distinct, and good. 

Rosy-pink or salmon. 



100 



THE RHODODENDRON. 



Lefevreanum . . 
Leviathan . . . 



Leopardi 

LlMBATUM 



Londinense . . . 



Lord Clyde . . . 



Lord John Russell 



Lowii 



Lucidum 



Lucy Neal . . . 
Macranthum . . 
Maculatum grandi- 

FLORUM 



Maculatum nigrum 



Rich purplish - crimson ; good 
foliage ; hardy. 

Blush, margined and tinged 
with violet; fine form and 
flower. 

Lilac, spotted all over with 
chocolate. 

Rosy -white, shading to pure 
white throat; deep rose 
blotch; tender. Figured in 
Bot. Mag. 88, t. 5311. A 
variety of R. arboreum. 

Crimson-purple ; good form and 
free bloomer ; precariously 
hardy; same as Ne Plus 
Ultra. 

Dark rich crimson ; same as 
Brabantia. 

Rose, intensely spotted ; very 
showy and beautiful ; tender. 

White, distinctly spotted with 
orange - chocolate ; tender ; 
same as Pictum. 

Lilac, brown spots ; free bloom- 
er ; beautiful foliage ; tender. 

Purplish - crimson, shaded to 
scarlet ; same as Genseric. 

Rosy - blush ; late bloomer ; 
hardy and desirable. 
1 Dark rosy -lilac, spotted; fine 
j form and truss ; same as 

CURRIEANUM. 

Dark purple, spotted. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 



101 



Maculatum purpureum 



Maculatum rubrum . 
Maculatum superb um 



Madame Carvalho 



Magnum Bonum 



Marc Antony . . . 
Marginato punctatum 



Metaphor . . . 
Michael Waterer 



Milnei 
Minnie 



MlRANDUM . 

Mt. Blanc 



Mr. John Penn 
Mrs. Fitzgerald 



Light purple, deeply spotted ; 
large truss ; hardy ; same as 
Chancellor. 

Rose, finely spotted. 

Lilac - rose, intensely spotted 
with black; large and fine 
truss ; a late bloomer. 

Clear white, greenish - brown 
spots ; fine shape and sub- 
stance. 

Rosy-lilac, beautifully spotted ; 
large flower ; precariously 
hardy. 

Lilac, brown eye ; hardy. 

White ground, deep carmine 
spots. Figured in Illus. Hort. 
14, t. 505. 

Rose ; large truss ; fine form. 

Scarlet - crimson ; fine form ; 
very beautiful. 

Rosy-crimson ; large truss. 

White, with large blotch of 
orange-chocolate ; fine form 
and substance ; remains long 
in bloom, one of the most 
striking varieties ; tender. 
Figured in Illus. Hort. 9, 
t. 317. 

Rose ; fine foliage. 

White; dwarf; free blooming; 
tender. 

Salmon-pink, deeper edge. 

Bright rosy-scarlet. 



102 



THE EHODODENDRON. 



Mrs. G. H. "W. Heneage 



Mrs. John Clutton . 



Mrs. John Waterer 



Mrs. Milner . 



Mrs. Sam Mendel 



Mrs. Joseph Shuttle- 
worth 

Mrs. R. S. Holford . 



Mrs. Thomas Brassey 



Mrs. Thomas Wain . 



Murillo 

Neige et Cerise . . 



Rosy - purple, white centre, 
fringed ; remains long in 
bloom ; probably hardy. 

Splendid flower ; white, yellow- 
spotted ; of fine form and 
substance, remaining long in 
bloom; probably hardy. Fig- 
ured in Florist, September, 
1869. 

Rosy - crimson, spotted ; fine 
truss. 

Rich crimson ; fine foliage and 
flower ; probably hardy. 

Clear rose; distinct white ray 
up the centre of each petal, 
and beautifully spotted ; one 
of Anthony Waterer's new 
seedlings. 

Pale rose, intensely blotched ; 
new. 

Rich salmon, a new color ; large 
truss and flower; a superb 
Rhododendron ; tender. 

Clear white, margined with rosy- 
purple. 

Pale rose, deep brown blotch ; 
very beautiful ; probably 
hardy. 

Rich crimson. 

Snowy white, bordered with 
rich carmine ; very beauti- 
ful ; tender. Figured in Fl. 
des Ser. 13, t. 1391. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 103 

Neils oni Rosy -lake; large flower and 

truss. 

Nereus Light purple, dark spots. 

Ne Plus Ultra . . Crimson-purple ; same as Lon- 

dinense. 

Nero Dark rosy-purple, richly spotted; 

fine form and truss ; tender. 

Nigrescens .... Dark plum-color, almost black. 

Oculissimum .... Rose, deeply marked. 

Old Port Rich plum-color. 

Onslowianum . . . Waxy blush, yellow eye ; dis- 
tinct and fine ; hardy. 

Ornatum Rose ; late bloomer. 

Ornatissimum . . . White, bordered to delicate rose, 

shading almost to purple. 
Figured in Illus. Hort. 14, 
t. 530. 

Othello Crimson, with mauve tinge. 

Papilionaceum . . . Pale lilac, changing to white, 

orange spots. 

Pardoleton .... Rosy-lilac, spotted ; precariously 

hardy. 

Paxtoni Rose, deeply spotted ; precari- 
ously hardy. 

Pelargoniflorum . . White, shaded pink, red spots, 

and yellowish lighting. Fig- 
ured in Fl.des Ser. 10, 1. 1063. 

Perfection .... Blush, yellow eye ; fine form. 

Perrieanum .... Light rose, finely spotted. 

Perspicuum .... White or blush. 

Pictum White, beautifully spotted; same 

as Lowii. 

Poussin Deep rosy - crimson ; same as 

Barclayanum. 



104 



THE RHODODENDRON. 



President van den f Light rose, beautifully spotted ; 

Hecke ) precariously hardy. 

Prince Albert . . . Rich lake. 
Prince Camille de~j Rose, deeply spotted with brown- 
Rohan ) ish-red, fringed. Figured in 

Fl. desSer. 10, t. 1073; and 

Illus. Hort. 2, t. 46. 
Prince Eugene . . . Blush, intense spot on the upper 

petal. 
Princess Mary of i White centre, edge of petals 

Cambridge . . . . ) rosy-purple ; fine. 
Prince of Wales "} Brilliant rose, shaded to purple, 
(Young's) . . . . ) black marking on the upper 

petals. Figured in Fl. Mag. 

pi. 177. 
Princess of Wales . Creamy white centre, bordered 

with violet-purple. Figured 

in Fl. des Ser. 18, t. 1834-5. 
Purpureum elegans . Fine purple ; hardy. 
Purpureum crispum . Purple, fringed ; hardy. 
Purpureum grandi- } Purple ; large truss and flower ; 

florum j hardy. 

Purity . . . . . . White, faint yellow eye. 

Raphael Spotted crimson ; large flower. 

Reedianum .... Bright cherry-red ; tender. 
Rosabel Pale rose ; fine foliage and 

habit ; probably hardy. 
Roseum elegans . . Rose ; very hardy. 
Roseum grandiflorum Rose ; late bloomer ; hardy. 
Roseum pictum . . . Rose, yellow eye ; tender. 
Roseum superbum . . Light rose ; large truss and 

flower ; hardy. 
R. S. Field .... Scarlet ; very fine ; probably 

hardy. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 



105 



Rubens 



Salmono roseum 



Schiller . . . . 
Scipio 

Sherwoodianum . 
Sidney Herbert . 



Clear rose ; same as Duke of 

Norfolk. 
Rosy - salmon, deeply spotted ; 

delicate and pretty. Figured 

in Illus. Hort. 12, t. 437. 
Bluish-purple, dark black spots. 
Rose, deep spot. 
Light rose, dark spots. 
Bright crimson, with blotch of 

black spots. 
Rich dark puce, new and fine. 
Rose, beautifully spotted; fine 

shape. 
Claret -crimson, shaded and 

spotted ; same as Blatteum. 
Dark crimson, shaded with pur- 
ple. 
Deep scarlet, distinctly blotched 

with yellow ; a new seedling 

of Mr. Waterer's. 
Bright crimson, dark spots. 
Rich purple, distinct bronze 

blotch ; remaining long in 

flower. 
Sir William Arm- 
strong- Crimson ; fine truss and flower. 

Souvenir de Jean ~> Red, with yellowish - green 
Byls j blotch on the upper petal. 

Figured in Illus. Hort. 9, 

t. 326. 

Speciosum Light pink ; hardy. 

Splendens .... Rose ; very good. 
Stamfordianum . . . Dark pink, with deep purple or 

black spots. Figured in Fl. 

des Ser. 14, t. 1428. 



SlGISMUND RUCKER . 

Sir Charles Napier 
Sir Isaac Newton . 
Sir James Clark . . 
Sir John Thwaites , 



Sir Robert Peel . . 
Sir Thomas Seabright 



106 THE RHODODENDRON. 

Standard of Flanders Lavender-white, finely spotted ; 

same as Lady Dorothy 
Neville and Etendard de 
Flandres. % 

Standishii .... Rosy-purple, spotted. 

Stella Pale rose, deep chocolate blotch ; 

very distinct and showy ; 
probably hardy. 

Sultana White, reddish-brown spots. 

Surprise Lilac, chocolate blotch. 

The Grand Arab . . Brilliant crimson ; fine shape. 

The Sun of Auster-^ Crimson - scarlet ; same as 
litz ) Brilliant. 

The Gem Light blush, tinged with pink. 

The Queen .... Blush, changing to white. 

The Warrior . . . Rosy - crimson ; fine form and 

foliage. 

Titian Light rosy-scarlet ; very beauti- 
ful ; tender. 

Towardii Rosy-lilac ; beautiful form. 

Vandyke Rosy - crimson ; late bloomer ; 

very fine ; hardy. 

Verschaffeltii. . . Pale lavender - pink, deeply 

spotted on the upper petals. 
Figured in Illus. Hort. 9, 
t. 317. 

Vesuvius Crimson - scarlet, black spots; 

large truss. 

Vestitum coccineum . Very showy crimson. 

Victoria (Place's) . . Claret-crimson. 

Victoria Plum-color.' 

William Downing . Rich dark puce, finely blotched ; 

remaining long in bloom ; a 
magnificent plant in flower 
and foliage. Figured in Fl. 
des Ser. 17, t. 734-5. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 107 

The foregoing list is a selection of the most 
approved varieties. Some of them are new kinds 
that have not been proved, but which promise to 
surpass all older varieties. 

Of the list of two hundred and forty-six, we have 
more than one hundred now in our garden. Many 
of those marked " tender " have been grown and 
discarded as unsuited to our climate. 

There is probably not one of the varieties men- 
tioned which could not be successfully grown in the 
open air south of Philadelphia ; and a large propor- 
tion would succeed further north. 

With such a collection to choose from, what gar- 
den should be without Rhododendrons ? 



The following lists may prove useful in select- 



ing 



For one Rhododendron, perfectly hardy, and which 
combines good foliage, fine flower, and free growing 
and blooming habit, — 

Everestianum. 

For three hardy kinds, add, — 
Album grandiflorum and Purpureum grandiflorum. 

For six, add, — ' 

Coriaceum, Grandiflorum, and Roseum elegans. 

For twelve, add, — 

Album elegans. Hannibal. 

Lee's Dark Purple. Giganteum. 

Delicatissimum. Gloriosum. 



108 



THE RHODODENDRON. 



For twenty-four, add, — 



Purpureum elegans. 
Roseum grandiflorum. 
Bicolor. 
Coelestinum. 
Macranthum. 
Coelestinum pictum. 



Alburn. 
Columbus. 

Candidissimum (Parsons). 
Purpureum crispum. 
Cunningham's Dwarf White. 
Speciosum. 



List of eighteen very fine Rhododendrons, which 
will generally prove hardy : — 



Archimedes. 

Atrosanguineum. 

Barclayanum. 

Blandyanum. 

Brayanum. 

Currieanum. 

Hendersoni. 

Lefevreanum. 

Maculatum purpureum. 



Ne Plus Ultra. 

Onslowianum. 

Pardoleton. 

Paxtoni. 

Rubens. 

Standard of Flanders. 

Azureum, 

Co3rulescens. 

Roseum superbum. 



List of twenty-five magnificent varieties, requir- 
ing cellar protection in winter : — 



Aclandianum. 
Alarm. 
Broughtoni. 
Bylsianum. 
Concessum. 
Desdemona. 
Elfrida. 

Fastuosum fl. pi. 
Fleur de Marie. 
Lady Cathcart. 
Lady Crossley. 
Limbatum. 



Lord John Russell. 

Maculatum superbum. 

Minnie. 

Neige et Cerise. 

Nero. 

Pictum. 

Princess Mary of Cambridge. 

Sir Charles Napier. 

Sidney Herbert. 

Titian. 

Towardii. 

Vandyck. 



William Downing. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE RHODODENDRON. 



109 



List of Late Blooming Varieties : — 



Barclayanum. 

Hogarth. 

Roseum grandiflorum. 

Hannibal. 

Francis Dickson. 



John Spencer. 
Maculatum superbum. 
Ornatum. 
Vandyck. 
William Downing. 



Macrahthum. 

List of New Varieties, which will probably prove 



hardy : 



Caractacus. 
Charles Bagley. 
Charles Dickens. 
Guido. 

H. H. Hmmewell. 
H. W. Sargent. 
James Bateman. 
John Spencer. 
Lady Armstrong. 

R. S. 

List of twenty-live ver 

Barclayanum. 

Brayanum. 

Lord John Russell. 

Concessum. 

Cruentum. 

Elfrida. 

Fastuosum fl. pi. 

H. W. Sargent. 

Stella. 

Lady Clermont. 

Lady Frances Crossley. 

Maculatum superbum. 

Lady 



Lady Clermont. 
Edward S. Rand. 
Mrs. Heneao;e. 
Stella. 
Rosabel. 
Purity. 

Mrs. John Clutton. 
Mrs. Milner. 
Mrs. Wain. 
Field. 

y distinct varieties : — 

Minnie. 

Mrs. John Clutton. 
Mrs. R. S. Holford. 
Neige et Cerise. 
Nero. 

Nigrescens. 
Onslowianum. 
President van den Hecke. 
Hannibal. 
Titian. 
Towardii. 
William Downing. 
Cathcart. 



110 



THE RHODODENDRON. 



List of varieties for Standards : — 



Everestianum. 

Roseum elegans. 

Minnie. 

Lady Cathcart. 

Williaui Downing. 

Maculatuni superbum. 



Brayanum. 

Victoria. 
Concessum. 
Fastuosum fl. pi. 
Archimedes. 
Barclayanum. 



Roseum pictum. 




PART III. 

OTHER "AMERICAN PLANTS.' 



PART III. 

OTHER "AMERICAN PLANTS.' 



r I M5E greater part of the plants enumerated in 
*- this portion of our work belong to the same 
natural family as the Rhododendron (Ericaceae), 
and thrive best with the same treatment. In Eng- 
lish catalogues they are included under the general 
name of "American plants;" and, although some 
are not natives of America, we adopt the popular 
name as most familiar. 

They are especially adapted for combination with 
Rhododendrons, and afford a wide range of color 
in bloom, and a great variety of foliage. Among 
them we find many plants combining symmetry of 
form, beauty and fragrance of flower, and easy cul- 
ture. Some are rarely seen ; but all are easily 
obtained, and well repay the care necessary to have 
them in perfection. 

The Azalea. 

This genus is nearly related to Rhododendron, 
and indeed by some botanists has been included in 



114 OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 

it. Early volumes of some illustrated horticultural 
works figure all Azaleas as Rhododendrons. 

The genus Azalea has also been extended by other 
botanists so as to include many plants which the 
best authorities now give to other genera. As now 
defined, the genus is confined to about twenty 
species, natives of Asia and North America, all 
shrubs, mostly with large showy flowers, which, 
both from their beauty and fragrance, are popular 
ornaments of our gardens and shrubberies. 

The tender species are well-known greenhouse 
plants, and both these and the hardy kinds have in 
cultivation developed many very beautiful varieties. 

Those that are hardy thrive best in Rhododendron 
soil, and need the same general culture as prescribed 
for Rhododendrons. They grow freely, flower pro- 
fusely, and need only to be kept from drought to do 
well. They are all deciduous, and therefore, where 
a mass of foliage is wanted for the winter, should 
not be mixed with Rhododendrons. We prefer to 
plant them in masses by themselves ; although when 
in bloom, and during the summer, they combine 
well Avith other American plants. As specimens 
and standards, they are very handsome ; always 
blooming well, and forming a conspicuous feature in 
the garden. All the species are propagated- easily 
by inarching, grafting, or by cuttings of the half- 
ripened shoots, which root readily under a bell- 
glass in sandy peat. The hardy kinds are also 
increased by layers, in the same manner as Rhodo- 
dendrons. New varieties are obtained from seed, 
which should be sown in sandy peat, as directed for 
Rhododendrons. 



OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 115 

The tender species are evergreen plants, requiring 
the protection of a cool greenhouse in winter. In 
summer they should be set out of doors, in a par- 
tially shaded situation. 

All the species bear pruning well, and may be 
cut to any required shape. In habit they vary 
greatly, some naturally being of line form, and 
others requiring severe pruning. The foliage is not 
ornamental, being usually dull or rusty green ; but 
when in bloom the plants are such a mass of flower 
that the leaves are not noticed. 

For forcing in the greenhouse, all the species are 
well adapted ; and there are no better or more easily 
grown parlor plants than the varieties of tender 
Azaleas. 

Many hybrids have been produced by fertilization 
between the Azalea and the Rhododendron. Many 
of these we have already described : they vary 
greatly in habit, foliage, and flower, according as 
they partake of the nature of either parent. The 
number is very large, and is yearly increasing. 
The species are : — 

Azalea arborescens. 

A tall shrub, native of the Middle and Southern 
States, with large, fragrant, rose-colored flowers. 
The foliage is smooth above, glaucous below, and 
ornamental. The flowers appear in June, after the 
leaves. 

We have been unable to find a figure of this 
species. 



116 OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 



Azalea nudiflora. 

A well-known shrub, native of swamps, from 
Massachusetts southward ; producing a profusion of 
showy flowers, which vary much in color, early in 
May. 

The common names are Wild Honeysuckle and 
Pinxter Flower, the latter from its blooming about 
Whit-Sunday. 

The flowers appear before the leaves, often in 
such abundance as to cover the whole plant. In 
the wild state they are found of every shade, from 
purple to blush-white. Seedlings vary greatly, and 
in cultivation numerous hybrids have been produced, 
affording a wide range of color. 

The following varieties of this species are very 
fine: Versicolor, do. grandiflora, mirabilis, carnea 
delicatissima, color a I a. incarnata superba, coccinea, 
do. major, incana, Coburgliii. All have scarlet, 
pink, or blush flowers, and are perfectly hardy. 

Azalea viscosa. 

This species is the well-known " Swamp Honey- 
suckle,'* so common in low swamps, clamp, shady 
woods, and by road-sides. 

It forms a tall shrub, with dark green leaves, 
and bears in the latter part of June and July an 
abundance of clammy, white, deliciously fragrant 
flowers, sometimes tinged with deep rose. 

It thrives in cultivation, not requiring a wet soil, 
but growing and blooming freely if the roots are 



OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 117 

not allowed to dry up. From its fragrance and late 
blooming, it is a desirable plant. There are nu- 
merous varieties, and this species is the parent of 
many hybrids. All are hardy. 

Some of the best are : rubescens, do. grandiflora^ 
flo rib iiiida, penicillata, do. picta. 

Azalea glauca 

Is only a variety of A. viscosa, with pale glaucous 
foliage ; not uncommon. 

Azalea nitida 

Is also a variety of A. viscosa, of dwarf habit, 
with dark green, shining leaves, and white, clammy 
flowers, tinged with pink. 

Azalea calendula cea. 

A shrub, growing from five to ten feet high, with 
hairy leaves and large, flame-colored or orange, scent- 
less flowers ; native of the Middle and Southern 
States. It is common in gardens, is hardy, and 
flowers freely in May, the blossoms appearing with 
the leaves. There are many varieties, of which we 
may mention : Mbrterii, fulgida, calendidacea coc- 
cinea, do. crocea, do. elcgans, do. eximia, do. flam- 
med, do. superba, ignescens, triumphans. 

Azalea pontica. 

A native of Asia Minor and the Caucasus, form- 
ing a tall shrub, with bright yellow flowers in the 



118 OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 

species, which in the numerous varieties are found 
of every shade, from yellow to copper or orange, 
white or striped. 

This species seeds freely ; and from it, by hybrid- 
izing with the American species, innumerable seed- 
lings have been raised. Much attention has been 
paid to thus crossing the species in Belgium, 
especially in the neighborhood of Ghent ; whence 
all hardy Azaleas have come to be known as " Bel- 
gian, or Ghent Azaleas/' 

These seedlings are generally hardy, although 
some of the lighter-colored varieties have proved 
tender with us ; and some lose their flower-buds in 
severe winters, although the wood is not injured. 

Some of the best varieties referred to this 
species arc: ardens, aurantia, do. major, Candida, 
coronaria, cuprea, pontica alba, camea, compacta, 
co as/) ic a a, delicatissima, grandiflora, grandidis- 
sima, imperialism mutabilis, multiflora pallida, ma- 
crantha, princeps, sulphured, do. grandijlora, do. do. 
nova. 

There are innumerable other hybrid varieties in 
nurserymen's catalogues, and every year gives us an 
increased number. 

To the above lists we may add, as desirable : 
Adelaide, alta-clarcnsc, a area speciosa and grandi- 
flora, Cliveana, autumnal is, concinna, decus horto- 
ram, elegant issima, Napoleon III., flammcola 
incamata, fama, gloriosa, Marie Verschaffelt, nitens, 
Ne Plus Ultra, ornata rosea, prceniiens, violce 
odorata. 



OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 119 

Those who are not familiar with the flower will 
find fine varieties figured in Bot. Mag. 28, t. 27, 17, 
t. 1402, 31, t, 51-60, 16, t. 1366-67 ; Illus. Hort. 
t. 75, 209, 415 ; Fl. des Serres, 1298, 1306-7. 

Mr. Anthony Waterer, of the Knap Hill Nursery, 
near Woking, Surrey, England, has been very suc- 
cessful in raising seedling Azaleas, and within the 
past few years has produced some varieties which 
are far superior to any before raised. This has 
been accomplished by crossing the best hardy kinds 
with Azalea sinensis, a Chinese species, with large, 
golden, Rhododendron-like flowers. 

These new varieties are thus described in Mr. 
Waterer's catalogue of the present year : — 

Amcena Delicate rose, with rich buff 

spot. 

Bessie Holdaway . Bright rose, clear bronze spot. 

Cuprea Coppery - orange, shaded with 

salmon. 

Fulgida Bright fiery-orange, deeper in 

the centre. 

Nancy Waterer . . The finest of all the yellows, 

rich and deep in color ; large 
in size and perfect in form. 

Ochroleuca .... Pale straw-color, with golden 

spot. 

Primulina .... Delicate primrose-yellow. 

Pclchra Shaded rose, with orange blotch. 

Sinensis rosea . . . Pale, shaded rose. 

Straminea .... An extremely delicate tint of 

straw-color. 

Sulphurea .... Sulphur-yellow, with deep yel- 
low blotch. 



120 OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 

Figures of Nancy Waterer and Bessie Holdaway 
are given in the " Florist " for May, 1869. 

Double Hardy Azaleas. 

These are very beautiful and desirable, as they 
are very showy and remain long in bloom. 

They are perfectly hardy, having stood the last 
four winters with us ; grow freely and flower 
abundantly. 

The varieties are : Maja, Van Houtte, Ophire, 
Dr. Streiter, Heroine, Bartolo Lazaris, Narcissiflora, 
Leibnitz, Graaf von Meran. 

Azalea amcena. 

This is a charming little Chinese species, usually 
grown as a greenhouse plant, but perfectly hardy. 

The flowers are purple, produced in the " hose in 
hose " form, in gardening parlance ; that is, with a 
double corolla. The plant was found by Mr. For- 
tune, near Shanghae, and, as we have it in cultiva- 
tion, is evidently a garden variety of some unknown 
species. The flower resembles that of Rhododen- 
dron dauricum, and, like that, is produced in very 
early spring, almost too early with us. The foliage 
is evergreen. 

Figured in Pax. Fl. G. pi. 89 ; Lem. Jar. 4, t. 329 ; 
Bot. Mag. 79, t. 4728. 

Azalea sinensis. 

A Chinese species, with large, yellow-orange flow- 
ers, to which we have already had occasion to refer 



OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 121 

as one of the parents of the hybrid yellow Rhodo- 
dendrons, and of Mr. Waterer's new hardy Azaleas. 
The flowers are scentless, and only resemble those 
of A. pontica in color. A very showy plant. 
Figured in Lodd. Cab. t. 885. 

Variety alba, Avith white flowers, is figured in 
Illus. Hort. t, 563. 

Azalea squamata. 

A Chinese species, with small, lavender-purple 
flowers, with crimson spots, produced before the 
leaves ; probably not hardy. 

Figured in Bot. Reg. 83, t. 3 . 

Azalea obtusa. 

Also a Chinese species, with small, deep -red 
spotted flowers and evergreen foliage. The flowers 
are fragrant. Coming from the north of China it 
may be hardy. 

Figured in Bot. Reg. 32, t. 37. 

Azalea ledifolia. 

This species, also known as Azalea indica alba, 
is the well-known white Azalea of our greenhouses. 
The foliage is rough, small, and not ornamental ; 
the flowers large, white, and fragrant. It is the 
parent of innumerable varieties, which are far 
superior to the parent. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. t. 2901. 



122 OTHEE AMERICAN PLANTS. 

The purple Azalea, generally known as A. phce- 
nicea, is a variety of this species. 
Figured in Bot. Mag. t. 3239. 

Azalea indica. 

This species is the parent of all the so-called 
" greenhouse Azaleas." It is a native of China 
and Japan, with very showy scarlet, red, or white 
flowers ; but has sported into numerous varieties, 
some of which are among the most attractive of 
greenhouse plants. None of them are hardy. 

Those who are not familiar with this flower will 
find very beautiful figures of fine varieties in Floral 
Mag. pi. 63, 59, 25, 39, 14, 113, 104, 193, 231, 201, 
268, 303, 395 ; Illus. Hort, t. 8, 20, 38, 65, 90, 130, 
136, 170, 178, 182, 267, 302, 288, 340, 342, 428, 
478, 512; Fl. des Ser. 1. 1618-22,1654,1572,1567, 
1365, 1334, 1301-2-3, 1060, 1180, 1157, 1243; 
Hen. Illus. Bou. pi. 23. 

Azalea ovata. 

A small, pretty species, with pale purple flowers, 
and small, shining green foliage ; native of China. 
Figured in Bot, Mag. t. 5064. 

Azalea occidentalis 

Is the Californian species. The flowers are large, 
white, marked with yellow ; a very showy plant, and 
probably hardy. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. t. 5005 ; and Fl. des Ser. 
14, t. 1432. 



OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 123 



The Rhodora. 

There is but one species of this genus, R. cana- 
densis; a low, deciduous shrub, not uncommon in 
New England, and often found so plentifully as to 
cover acres. 

The leaves are deciduous ; the flowers of every 
shade from purple to pure white, blooming in clus- 
ters, before the leaves, in early May. 

It is a pretty plant, readily obtained, of easy 
culture, and does well in any moist loam. 

It thrives wonderfully in a Rhododendron -bed, 
and is well worthy of the position from its showy, 
abundant, and early bloom. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 14, t. 474. 

The Loiseleuria. 

The only species is L. procumbens, sometimes 
known as Azalea procumbens. It is a small, 
evergreen shrub, a native of high latitudes, on 
mountains, both in this country and Europe. The 
flowers are small, white or pink, in terminal 
clusters. 

It would probably do well on the border of a 
Rhododendron-bed. 

Figured in Lodd. Cab. t. 762 ; Bax. Brit. Bot. 6, 
t. 463. 

The Kalmia. 

These well-known plants, the " Mountain Laurel " 
of our woods, are fit companions for Rhododendrons, 



124 OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 

thriving under the same treatment, and harmonizing 
well with them, both in foliage and flower. 

Their culture is very simple, being only to plant 
them in moist soil, and leave them to grow. While 
they will bear pruning, they seldom need it ; for, if 
not crowded, they form symmetrical bushes them- 
selves. They are propagated by layers or from seed, 
in the same manner as Rhododendrons. 

They are perfectly hardy, although in exposed 
situations the foliage sometimes gets browned in 
winter. 

No insect attacks them, and they are subject to no 
diseases. 

A mass of the large-flowered Kalmia in full bloom 
is a beautiful sight, and the smaller species are all 
attractive and pretty. 

No words can describe the beauty of this plant 
on the mountains of the Middle States, where it 
covers acres, and sheets whole hillsides with pink 
and white. Even in New England there are places 
where it grows in great abundance, but it does not 
flower as freely as further south. 

The plant is popularly known as " Mountain 
Laurel," in distinction from the " Great Laurel " 
(Rhododendron maximum) ; also as " Spoonwood " 
and " Calico Bush." 

The common small species is called Sheep Laurel, 
or Lambkill. 

The foliage of all the species is evergreen, but 
only in Kalmia latifolia is ornamental. 



OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 125 



Kalmia LATIFOLIA. 



This is the most showy species, and is one of the 
most ornamental of our indigenous plants. It is a 
tall shrub, sometimes attaining the height of ten 
feet. In cultivation, however, it is seldom more 
than half that height, and grows thick and bushy. 
The foliage is dark shining green, large and orna- 
mental. 

The flowers vary from pure white to deep pink, 
and thus constitute the varieties of some nursery 
catalogues. Seedlings vary much in size of the 
flower, in floriferous qualities, and in form of the 
corymbs of bloom ; some bearing close, compact 
masses, others having them very loose and straggling. 

Although a native of our woods, the cheapest 
and easiest mode of procuring plants is to import 
them from England, where they are raised from seed 
in large quantities. Nice, bushy plants, about a foot 
high, cost only twenty-five dollars per hundred 
landed here, and, as they grow rapidly, soon form 
large plants. 

Kalmias mass well with Rhododendrons, and, as 
they bloom somewhat later, serve to keep up the 
period of bloom in the bed. We prefer them, how- 
ever, as specimen plants, or in clumps by them- 
selves. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 5, pi. 175 ; Michaux, Arb. 3, 
pi. 5 ; Big. Med. pi. 13. 

Variety myrtifolia is a dwarf - growing plant, 
with small, shining leaves ; very pretty for the bor- 
ders of beds. 



126 OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 



Kalmia ANGUSTIFOLIA 



Is by no means a popular plant, from the foliage 
being poisonous to sheep ; whence the common name 
of " Lambkill." It is, however, very pretty, and 
improves greatly on acquaintance. The foliage is 
narrow, dull green, glaucous below, and not orna- 
mental. The flowers vary from pale pink to the 
deepest red. 

By a little search in the fields in the season of 
bloom, many varieties, differing greatly in color, 
foliage, and growth, may be obtained. The plant is 
too pretty to be neglected, and were it less common 
would be highly esteemed. 

Planted on the border of a Rhododendron-bed, it 
increases rapidly by suckers, and never fails to 
flower freely. 

Figured in Bot, Mag. 10, t. 331 ; and in Lodd. 
Cab. pi. 502. 

Kalmia glauca. 

A charmingly pretty species, and the earliest to 
bloom, the flowers expanding in early May. The 
foliage is narrow, evergreen, whitish below; the 
flowers large, rose-colored, in terminal corymbs. 

While in its native bogs, the plant is a low, strag- 
gling shrub. 

We receive it from England in neat, pretty, sym- 
metrical plants, which always come out of the cases 
in full bloom. It is not so easy of culture as the 
other species, and is very liable to die off. 



OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 127 

The varieties stricta, superba, and rosmarinifolia, 
only differ from the species in size and color of 
flower, or in foliage. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 5, t. 177; Lodd. Cab. 
t. 1508. 

Kalmia hirsuta. 

This species is a native of pine barren swamps of 
the Southern States. The foliage is small ; the flow- 
ers large, rose-colored, solitary, produced in the axils 
of the leaves. This plant would probably prove of 
difficult cultivation and be tender in the Northern 
States. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 4, t. 138 ; Lodd. Cab. 
t. 1058. 

Kalmia cuneata. 

This species, which is a native of the mountains 
of Carolina, we have never seen. It is said to be 
deciduous ; and to bear white flowers, red at the 
bottom, in few-flowered, lateral corymbs. 

The Ledum. 

This plant, familiarly known as " Labrador Tea," 
is by no means uncommon in low mountain bogs. 
The foliage is rusty, pleasantly fragrant ; the flowers 
in large, terminal clusters, white and very showy. 
All the species thrive on the borders of Rhododen- 
dron-beds, for which place their low growth adapts 



128 OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 

them. They bloom in May, and flower freely and 
regularly. All are perfectly hardy. 

Ledum palustre. 

A low shrub, with linear leaves with revolute 
margins ; flowers white. A native of Canada and 
the north of Europe. 

Figured in Lodd. Cab. t. 560 ; Bax. Brit. Bot. 6, 
p. 508. 

L. decumbens is a prostrate variety from the far 
North. 

Ledum latifolium. 

Altogether a larger plant in every way. Leaves 
broad ; flowers large, white. The most showy spe- 
cies, and well worth cultivating. 

Figured in Lodd. Cab. t. 534. 

We have in our garden a plant received under the 
name of Ledum angustifolium, which seems to be 
intermediate between these two species. 

L. canadeiise, figured in Lodd. Cab. t. 1049, does 
not appear to differ in flower from other species. 

The plants sometimes known as L. buxifolium and 
thymifoliwm are now referred to Leiophyllum. 

The Leiophyllum. 

A charming little evergreen, with small, shining 
leaves, somewhat resembling a myrtle ; whence the 
popular name, " Sand Myrtle." 



OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 129 

The only species is L. buxifolium, a native of New 
Jersey and southward, but perfectly hardy with us 
at Glen Ridge. 

The flowers are small, white, or tinged with pink 
on the ends of the branches, in close corymbs, and 
in the latter part of May completely cover the plant. 
At other seasons the evergreen foliage is very neat 
and pretty. A border of this plant around a mass 
of Rhododendons, Kalmias, or Azaleas, is very 
effective. 

Figured in Lodd. Cab. 52, as Ledum buxifolium. 

The plant known as L. thymifolium is a variety, 
with smaller foliage, equally ornamental and desir- 
able. This plant is also known as Ammyrsine. 

The Menziesia. 

A genus of small shrubs, not very ornamental, but 
desirable in a collection. The foliage is deciduous, 
and resembles that of an Azalea ; the flowers are 
small, greenish-white or brownish-purple. 

The species is M. ferruginea, a native of North- 
western America, of which the variety globularis is 
found plentifully on mountains in Virginia. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 38, t. 1571 ; and the variety 
in Hook. Bor. Am. 132. 

The Phyllodoce. 

The plant known in florist's catalogues as Menziesia 

coerulea is a charming little plant, resembling a Heath 

both in foliage and flower ; a native of North-western 

6* 



130 OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 

America, of the White Mountains, and some parts 
of Europe. It is very ornamental, and will thrive 
in cool, moist soil. The flowers are bluish-purple, 
nodding, and charmingly pretty. The proper name 
of the plant is Phyllodoce taxifolia. There is also 
another species, P. or M. empetriformis, with pale 
red flowers. 

See figures in Lodd. Cab. t. 164, and Bot. Mag. 
t. 3176. 

The species of Dabcecia, pretty heath-like plants 
with showy flowers, but not hardy with us, are some- 
times called Menzietia. 

The Calluna. 

This plant, the "Heather" of Europe, is hardy 
enough to endure our winters. Blooming in July, 
when flowers are not plenty, it forms a most attrac- 
tive border to a clump of evergreens. The plant is 
low-growing, with heath-like foliage, and when in 
bloom is a mass of flower. The species C. vulgaris 
is a native of Europe, but has been found growing 
wild near Boston, the locality being such as to leave 
little doubt as to its being indigenous. The flowers 
are rose-colored ; but there are garden varieties of 
every shade from red to white, one with double flow- 
ers and one with golden foliage. All these are 
easily grown along the borders of Rhododendron- 
beds, and with a slight covering of pine-needles in 
winter escape entirely uninjured. 

They can be imported for about three dollars a 
dozen. 

Figured* in Eng. Bot. 15, t. 1013; and in Bax. 
Brit, Bot. 1, t, 76. 



OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 181 



The Gypsocallis. 

The hardiest of the " Heaths," as the plant is 
always found in catalogues as Erica herbacea. It is 
a native of Central Europe, but with us has proved 
hardy in all exposures, the only care taken being to 
cover the plant with pine-needles in winter ; as in 
our experience, while no degree of cold injured the 
plant, the flower-buds were killed when the mercury 
fell below zero. The species to which we specially 
refer is G. carnea. This little plant is low-growing, 
like the Heather ; and, like it, is suited for the bor- 
ders of Rhododendron-beds. It blooms in the early 
days of spring, opening its flowers with the crocuses 
in April, and giving to the bees the first promise of 
summer. 

The flowers are pale red or whitish, and com- 
pletely cover the plant. By growing it in every 
position, from very sunny to very shady, a succes- 
sion of bloom may be obtained for weeks. We 
regard this as one of the most valuable of spring 
flowers. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. t. 11 ; Lodd. Cab. t. 1452. 

The other species of Gypsocallis are not hardy in 
New England, although they are often grown as 
greenhouse plants. 

The Cassiope. 

C. kypnoides is a rarely beautiful plant, with moss- 
like foliage and lovely red and white flowers. It is 



132 OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 

a native of Lapland and Siberia, and is found on the 
tops of the mountains of New England. 

Although hardy, it is very difficult of cultivation : 
the best place for it would be in a shady bed of 
sandy peat. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. t. 2936. 

Another species, C. tetragona, also a native of 
high northern latitudes, is very difficult to keep 
in cultivation. It is a beautiful plant, with large, 
drooping, white, bell-shaped flowers. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. t. 3181. 

These plants were formerly known as Andromeda. 
There are other species not in cultivation. 

The Arctostaphylos. 

A small, trailing plant, very generally distributed 
over America and Europe. The common name is 
" Bearberry." The flowers are small, white, tinged 
with red, very pretty; the leaves small, box-like, 
evergreen. It does well in peat, or will thrive in 
any sandy loam, and is a good plant for rock-work. 

Figured in Wood. Med. Bot. t. 70; Bax. Brit. 
Bot. 6, t. 502. 

A. alpina is a deciduous species, with pure white 
flowers and black berries ; a native of high moun- 
tains, both in Europe and America. Like the last, 
the stems are trailing ; and it is a suitable plant for 
covering the ground. 

Figured in Eng. Bot. t. 2030. 



OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 133 

A. glaaca is the " Mazaneta " of California, and 
varies in size from a tall shrub in the low country 
to a very low creeping bush far up above the snow- 
line. The flowers are pink and very handsome, the 
foliage clear glaucous green, the bush red. Alto- 
gether the plant is very ornamental, and if hardy 
will prove a great addition to our shrubbery. We 
have plants sent from California now on trial. 

The Epig^ea. 

There is but one species, E. repens, the " Trail- 
ing Arbutus," " Ground Laurel," or " May Flower," 
almost too well known to need description. Neat 
in habit and foliage, deliciously fragrant in flower, 
and blooming at a season when it is especially attrac- 
tive, this charming plant is seldom found in cultiva- 
tion. We are told " it cannot be grown in gardens," 
yet nothing is easier. 

Obtain good plants, either from the woods or by 
importation, in early spring, or any time after Au- 
gust; plant them in your Rhododendron-bed, and 
your work is clone. They will increase, carpet the 
ground, give you flower year after year, and ask 
you for no attention. 

There is not in the whole floral kingdom a more 
attractive flower, and it loses none of its wild-wood 
beauty when we take it to our homes. 

The flowers vary much in size and color, and, in 
planting, the largest and most highly colored should 
be selected. Plants may also be raised from seed. 

Figured in And. Bot. Rep. 102 ; Lodd. Cab. t. 
160 ; Bot. Reg. 3, t. 201 ; Sweet, Fl. G. 2, t. 381. 



134 OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 



The Gaultheria. 

A genus of low, shrubby plants, with neat flow- 
ers and showy berries, particularly adapted for cov- 
ering- the surface of the ground, or for planting under 
trees, where little else will grow. They need no 
special culture beyond being planted in sandy peat, 
or open loamy soil ; and propagate readily by suckers. 

Gaultheria procumbens. 

This pretty little species is the well-known " Check- 
erberry" of our woods, and produces the aromatic 
red berries so often seen in the markets. The stem 
is slender, creeping, never more than a few inches 
high. The leaves are evergreen, shining, and 
strongly aromatic to the taste ; the flowers are 
pinkish-white, nodding. This plant is especially 
suitable for covering the surface of Rhododendron- 
beds, and is ornamental in foliage, flower, and fruit. 
The best way is to transplant them from the woods. 
A few set here and there will rapidly spread and 
cover the surface, doing no injury to the larger 
plants. 

Figured in And. Rep. 2, t. 116 ; Bot. Mag. 45, t. 
1966 ; Lodcl. Cab. t. 82 ; Barton, Med. 15 ; Big. 
Med. 22. 

Gaultheria Shallon. 

A fine species from the north-western coast of 
America. The leaves are large, coarse, dull green; 
the flowers pinkish- white, very showy ; the berries 
purplish-black, edible. 



OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 135 

This plant in its native habitat grows in dense 
forests, and is thus adapted for planting under the 
shade of trees. In height it varies from a few 
inches to two feet, but is usually very low-growing, 
creeping along the surface and increasing rapidly by 
underground stems. 

We are sorry to say that this beautiful species has 
not proved hardy with us at Glen Ridge : of a large 
number of plants set out a few years since, only a 
few survive, and these are in bad health. For some 
years they grew, flowered, and fruited freely ; but a 
winter when the mercury fell to ten degrees below 
zero was too severe for them, although a covering 
of pine-needles would probably have saved them. 
We strongly advise the introduction and extensive 
planting of this species. Plants can be bought in 
England for a shilling each : they transplant easily ; 
and wherever they prove hardy, they will be found to 
merit our recommendation. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 55, t. 2843 ; Bot. Reg. 17, 
t. 1411 ; Lodd. Cab. t. 1372. 

There are other species of GauUheria, but they 
are not in cultivation. 

The Chiogenes. 

A pretty little creeping shrub, with slender stems, 
close-set, evergreen leaves, inconspicuous flowers, 
and showy, white, aromatic berries. The species is 
O. hispidula, and is well worthy a place in some 
sheltered portion of the Rhododendron-bed, where 
it will trail over the surface, grow, flower, and fruit 



136 OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 

freely. It is one of those natives of the wild woods 
which we are always charmed to find in cultivation. 

Plants could easily be procured from our north- 
ern woods. 

Figured in Torr. N. Y. 68 ; also in Pursh, Fl. 
13, as G-aultheria serpyllifolia. 

The LiNNiEA. 

All the plants we have thus far described belong 
to the same family as the Rhododendron (Ericaceae). 
The pretty little Linncea borealis, so well adapted 
for covering the soil in shrubberies, is one of the 
Honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae). It is a charm- 
ing plant, with pretty evergreen foliage and delicate 
pink, fragrant flowers. 

It is a common plant in northern woods ; and 
we mind us of localities where it fringes the road- 
sides for miles, carpeting the ground under the 
spreading firs and hemlocks. It is impatient of 
drought, or of much sun, but will thrive well in a 
Rhododendron-bed. 

Figured in Lodd. Cab. t. 183 ; Bax. Brit. Bot. 5, 
340. 

The Mitchell a. 

Another creeping evergreen, commonly called 
" Partridge " or " Twin Berry ; " botanically, M. 
repens. It is very common in woods, and always 
beautiful, whether clothed with the lovely pink and 
white flowers or sparkling with scarlet berries. 



OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 137 

It is easily procured, is very amenable to cultiva- 
tion, and is well worthy a place in the garden. It 
belongs to the Madder family (Rubiaceae). 

Figured in Lodd. Cab. t. 979 ; and Barton, Fl. 
3, t. 95. 

The Empetrum. 

A plant of the Crowberry family (Empetracese) , 
much resembling a heath, and worthy a place in 
the collection. It is not an uncommon Alpine on the 
summits of mountains ; and is abundant on the 
island in Frenchman's Bay, off Mt. Desert, covering 
the ground and trailing over the cliffs. 

The foliage is dark green and rather sombre, the 
flowers inconspicuous, the berries black and orna- 
mental. 

Botanically,the plant is E. nigrum, or Black Crow- 
berry. 

Figured in Eng. Bot. 8, t. 526 ; and Bax. Brit. 
Bot. 6, p. 469. 

The Yaccineum. 

The only plant of this genus desirable for cultiva- 
tion in the garden is the Cowberry ( V. Vitis-Idceci), 
a low-growing species, with dark green, shining fo- 
liage, pretty pink flowers, and showy red berries. 
As a plant for covering the surface, it is well worthy 
a place, growing freely and requiring no care. 

In Maine, where this plant is very abundant, the 
berries are used as cranberries, and are quite 
palatable. 



138 OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 

Figured in Lodcl. Cab. t. 1023 ; Bax. Brit. Bot. 5, 
t. 383. 

Variety ma jus is larger in all its parts. 
Figured in Lodd. Cab. t. 616. 

V. oxycoccus and macrocarpus are our small 
and large cranberries, both found plentifully growing 
wild, and the latter sometimes cultivated for market. 
Though naturally growing in bogs, a wet soil is not 
essential to them, as they do well in any good loam. 
The flowers and fruit of both are very pretty. 

V. stamineum, the Deerberry, with deciduous 
foliage, greenish-white flowers, and large, greenish 
fruit, is sometimes found in cultivation, and is not 
uncommon in the wild state in dry woods. 

The Leucothoe. 

A genus containing two of our most beautiful 
flowering shrubs, without which no collection of 
American plants can be complete, and which add 
greatly to the attraction of the shrubbery. They 
are hardy plants, doing well in Rhododendron soil, 
and require no special culture. 

They are commonly known as Andromeda. 

Leucothoe floribunda. 

This elegant species is a native of the Southern 
States, on the mountains, but is generally hardy 
with us. The foliage is evergreen, rather small, 



OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 139 

dark green, and very ornamental ; the flowers white, 
in panicles at the ends of the branches. The bnds 
form in the summer, and are very conspicuous all 
winter, opening in early spring ; the white flowers 
contrast beautifully with the dark foliage. A mass 
of this plant is a most attractive feature in the 
garden. As the buds are a little liable to be winter- 
killed with us, and the foliage sometimes gets 
browned, we generally protect our plants by placing 
over them a few evergreen boughs, with which cov- 
ering they pass the winter uninjured, although in a 
very exposed situation, and every spring reward us 
by abundance of bloom. A bed of this plant, edged 
with the hardy heath (Gt/psocaUis~), is very hand- 
some, both plants blooming at the same time, and 
contrasting well in color. 

In catalogues this plant is called Andromeda flori- 
bunda, and, botanically, is more properly referred to 
that genus. 

Figured in Bot. Reg. 10, t. 807 ; and Bot. Mag. 
t. 1566 ; Pax. Mag. 4, p. 101. 

Leucothoe Catesb^i. 

A very showy plant, and somewhat hardier than 
the last described. The foliage is large, serrate, 
coriaceous, and evergreen ; the flowers white, in 
long, drooping racemes. This species is ornamental, 
both in the mass or as a specimen plant : we grow 
it most successfully both ways, and regard it as 
one of the most desirable American plants. Its 
height is from one to three feet ; and the slender 



140 OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 

branches, drooping with the weight of the flowers, 
are extremely showy. It is very hardy, never win- 
ter-killed, and never fails to flower abundantly. It 
thrives in a rich loam, but is impatient of drought : 
we grow it in beds of peaty loam, in a northern 
exposure ; but if the roots are not allowed to dry, it 
will stand the full sunshine. A native of Virginia, 
and southward along the mountains. Known also 
as Andromeda Catesbcei and spinulosa, and as L. 
spimrfosa. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 1. 1955 ; Lodd. Cab. 1. 1320. 

Leucothoe axillaris. 

A pretty species, but by no means so showy a 
plant as those we have described. The flowers are 
white, in axillary spikes or racemes. A native of 
the low country of Virginia and southward, and 
probably tender in New England. 

Figured as Andromeda axillaris in Bot. Mag. t. 
2357. 

There are other species, some of which are tender ; 
and others, although hardy, are not sufficiently 
ornamental to be worthy of cultivation, except in 
large collections. L. racemosa is the best of these, 
and is worthy of a place in the shrubbery : it is a 
hardy native plant. 

The Cassandra. 

0. calycidata is a hardy shrub, very common in 
swamps. The foliage is rusty, and not ornamental ; 



OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 141 

and the chief merit of the plant is its expanding its 
flowers early in April. When well grown, it is very- 
pretty ; but it is not naturally of good habit. The 
flowers are pretty white bells. 

There are varieties which differ only in height, 
size of flower, and breadth of leaf, respectively 
known as nana, ventricosa, and latifolia. All are 
of easiest culture in peat-soil. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. 1. 1286 ; Lodd. Cab. 1. 1464, 
530, and 1286. 

The Zenobia. 

This plant, also known as Andromeda speciosa, 
is very showy and desirable, but is not hardy in the 
Northern States, as it is a native of Southern 
swamps. The flowers are large, white, and very 
showy ; the foliage is deciduous. 

The plants found in catalogues as Andromeda pul- 
veridenta, cassincefolia, pidveridentissima, dealbata, 
and ovata, are all varieties of this species, and like 
it are tender. They are very elegant and showy 
plants, and very desirable. In England they are 
hardy, and would probably prove so south of Phila- 
delphia. 

Figured in Lodd. Cab. t. 551 ; Bot. Mag. 25, t. 
970, and 18, t. 667 ; Bot. Reg. 12, t. 1010. 

The Andromeda. 

The species to which this genus has been restricted 
by most botanists is A. polifolia, a charming little 



142 OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 

plant, with narrow, glaucous-green leaves and beauti- 
ful white flowers tipped with rosy-red. 

It is a native of cold bogs of both continents, 
extending into high latitudes, and is therefore per- 
fectly hardy. 

The difficulty in cultivation is to keep it cool and 
damp. With us it grows and flowers beautifully in 
the shady part of a Rhododendron-bed on a northern 
hillside. 

There are many varieties, differing in size of plant 
and color of flower : all thrive under the same treat- 
ment, and are desirable. 

Figured in Bax. Brit. Bot. 5, p. 361 ; and in vari- 
ety in Lodd. Cab. t, 546, 1591, 1714, 1725. 

A. ROSMARINIFOLIA 

Much resembles the last, and may be only a 
variety. 

The plant found in catalogues as Andromeda 
formosa is a native of Nepal, and tender with us. 
The flowers are rosy- white, in drooping clusters, and 
very showy. Also called Pieris formosa. 

Andromeda mariana. 

This species, also known as Lyonia, is a hardy 
plant, with deciduous foliage and large, white flowers. 
It is well worth growing, and does well in any good 
loamy soil. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. t. 1597. 



OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 143 

There are other native species, which are desirable 
in collections ; but none of them are so showy as 
those we have mentioned. 

The very beautiful Andromeda floribunda has 
been described under the genus Leucothoe. 

The Daphne. 

Of this extensive genus, to which the well-known 
greenhouse plant D. odor a belongs, but two are 
hardy in New England : one of these, D. Mezereon, 
is a common shrub in the spring garden, and pro- 
duces its purple or white flowers with the early 
crocus. It is a very hardy plant, growing freely in 
good garden soil, and is ornamental in flower, 
foliage, and fruit. There is also an autumn- 
blooming variety. 

Daphne cneorum 

Is the most attractive of the hardy species. It 
is a low-growing plant, with evergreen foliage and 
terminal umbels of fragrant, pink flowers, which 
are produced in great profusion in early spring. 
Although indigenous to Central Europe, it is perfectly 
hardy with us, and is a most useful plant for low 
beds or for the borders of the shrubbery. The fra- 
grance of the flowers is so strong as to be almost 
unpleasant in a close room, but in the garden they 
perfume the air delightfully. They open in sunny 
exposures in April, and, by a little care in having 
plants in different places, may be had in bloom far 



144 OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 

into June : a second crop of flowers is sometimes 
produced in September. The flowers vary somewhat 
in shading, and there is said to be a white variety. 

Variety majus has larger flowers than the species, 
and is a more desirable plant. 

Variety variegatum has the foliage prettily edged 
with yellow. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. t. 313 ; Lodd. Cab. t. 1800. 

D. altaica, a native of Siberia, and D. alpina, 
from the Swiss Alps, both with white flowers, which 
in the latter are fragrant, would probably prove 
hardy ; but we do not know of them in cultivation. 

D. Laureola, the Spurge Laurel, indigenous to 
most parts of Europe, is a good plant for shady 
plantations, as it is not injured by the drip of trees. 
It is not hardy in New England. 

D. pontica, native of Asia Minor, and also found 
in Siberia, is precariously hardy, and is killed in 
exposed situations. 

D. alpina is figured in Lodd. Cab. t. 66. 

D. altaica in Bot. Mag. t. 1875; and in Lodd. 
Cab. t. 399. 

D. Laureola in Eng. Bot. 2, 119. 

D. pontica in And. Rep. 2, t. 73 ; and Bot. Mag. 
t. 1282. 

The Skimmia. 

A genus of evergreen shrubs, from northern India 
and Japan, of which one, S. japonica, is a very desir- 



OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 145 

able plant. As its name implies, it is a native of 
Japan, and is a low-growing shrub found upon the 
mountains. The foliage is dark green, shining, and 
evergreen. The flowers are white, in long, clustered 
panicles on the ends of the branches, and are suc- 
ceeded by bright, globular, scarlet berries. Alto- 
gether it is a very ornamental plant. With us it 
proves hardy in Rhododendron soil, and grows, flow- 
ers, and fruits freely. 

Seedlings are easily raised from the berries. 

Figured in Sieb. M. Jap. 68 ; Fl. des Serres, 7, 
p. 39 ; Bot. Mag. t. 4719 ; Illus. Hort. 1, 1. 13. 

Skimmia oblata. 

This species, also from Japan, has large, rich, lau- 
rel-like foliage, and oblate berries of bright vermil- 
ion-red. It is a more showy plant than S. japonica, 
but we cannot vouch for its hardiness. As yet it is 
somewhat rare, but, as it grows readily from seed, 
will soon be common. The plant known as S. fro- 
grantissima proves to be the male plant of this 
species, which is sometimes hermaphrodite, though 
usually unisexual. 

Figured in The Florist, 1865, p. 161. 

The Pernettya. 

These plants are pretty little, evergreen shrubs 
from South America. The foliage is small and very 
neat ; the flowers little white bells, covering the 
plant, which are succeeded by pink berries. They 

7 



146 OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 

are more likely to be destroyed by the summer than 
by the winter ; at least such has been our experience 
at Glen Ridge, where plants which survived two 
winters, with little injury, perished from the effects 
of the summer's sun. All the species are very 
impatient of the extremes of wet and dry, and if 
planted in full exposure to the rays of the sun soon 
perish, and an excess of moisture at the roots is 
sure to kill them. The best culture is to plant them 
in a Rhododendron-bed, with a northern exposure, 
and during winter to cover them lightly with pine- 
needles. 

They are easily raised from seed. 

The two species in cultivation are : — 

P. MUCRONATA, 

A native of the Straits of Magellan, with dark 
foliage, which contrasts well with the white flowers. 

Figured in Bot. Reg. 20, t. 1675 ; and in Maud. 
Bot, 3, 112. And 

P. ANGUSTIFOLIA, 

A native of Chili. The foliage is dark, and the 
plant flowers very freely. This species seems quite 
as hardy as the preceding. 

Figured in Bot, Reg. 26, t. 63 ; and in Bot. Mag. 
t. 3889. 

There are other species which prove tender. 



OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 147 



The Hypericum. 

The St. Johns-worts are well-known plants, with 
yellow flowers ; some worthy of garden culture, and 
others mere weeds. 

One species, however, is a very showy and desir- 
able plant : — 

Hypericum calycinum 

Is a native of Ireland, Scotland, and other parts 
of Europe, and proves perfectly hardy with us, if 
slightly protected during the winter. The foliage is 
large, evergreen, and thickly covered with pellucid 
dots ; the flowers are large, yellow, and very showy, 
two or three inches in diameter, with reddish 
anthers. It is a low-growing shrub, thriving under 
the drip of trees, and well-calculated for banks, rock- 
works, or the margins of shrubberies. The roots 
are creeping, and a small plant will soon cover a 
large space. 

Our plants are on the borders of a Rhododendron- 
bed, and are protected in winter by a slight covering 
of pine-needles. We do not regard this as necessary, 
for plants have done well wholly unprotected ; but 
the foliage is vei;y much browned and the beauty of 
the plant impaired. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. t. 146 ; and in Eng. Bot. 
29, t. 2017. 

Of other species H. Kalmianum is a well-known 
inhabitant of our shrubberies, conspicuous for its 



148 OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 

yellow flowers in July ; and H. Uralum, with us, a 
rather tender species from Nepal, with terminal 
corymbs of bright orange-yellow blossoms, is desir- 
able. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. t. 2375. 

The Polygala. 

One species of this beautiful genus is suitable for 
cultivation with American plants : — 

Polygala Cham^buxus 

Is a dwarf-growing, evergreen, shrubby plant, 
with large, yellow flowers, a native of the Swiss and 
Austrian Alps. It is a neat, pretty plant, increasing 
rapidly from running roots, and freely producing its 
fragrant flowers during the spring and summer. 
We can scarcely regard it as perfectly hardy ; 1 >ut 
with a little care, covering the whole plant with 
pine-needles in winter, it may be preserved, and is 
well worth the trouble. Plants may be imported 
from England for about nine shillings per dozen. 

They should be grown in a soil of peaty loam. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. t. 316 ; and in Lodd. Cab. 
t. 593. 

The Pyrola. 

Among the Wintergreens are some very pretty 
plants well worthy of cultivation. The common 
Pyrola rotundifolia is by no means an inelegant 



OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 149 

plant, and if not found wild is very desirable in the 
garden. The leaves are radical, smooth, roundish, 
and shining ; the flowers white, delicately fragrant, 
drooping on a slender raceme. 

It does well in any light, rich soil, and increases 
rapidly from its running roots : it prefers a rather 
moist, shady place. There are several varieties, dif- 
fering in shape of the leaves and color of the 
flower. 

P. elliptica closely resembles this species ; and P. 
chlorantha, minor, and secunda, are all neat-growing 
plants, thriving with little care, and worth growing 
in a collection. 



MONESES UNIFLORA 



Formerly Pyrola uniflora, is not uncommon in 
northern woods. It is a delicate and very pretty 
plant, bearing one large, white or rosy, terminal 
flower, and increasing readily by creeping roots. 

The Chimaphila. 

These plants are low-growing herbs, with shining, 
evergreen foliage and jewelled flowers. The most 
common species is O. umbellata, sometimes called 
" Pipsissewa," or " Bitter-Sweet." The flowers are 
roes-colored, with purple anthers, and very pretty. 

C. metadata, the other species, has lighter green 
leaves, marked with white ; and is a very showy, 
variegated-leaved plant. 



150 



OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 



It is not very common in New England, but 
recently we found it in great abundance on the 
slopes of the Alleghanies in Virginia. The flower 
is not so handsome as the last. All species do well 
in sandy loam and peat. 




PART TV. 

HERBACEOUS PLANTS ADAPTED FOR GROWTH 
IN RHODODENDRON-BEDS. 




PART IT. 

HERBACEOUS PLANTS ADAPTED FOR GROWTH 
EN* RHODODENDRON-BEDS 



'"T^HERE are many herbaceous plants, seldom 
-*- found in scood health in the garden, which 
thrive wonderfully if grown in Rhododendron-l 
Many of these are rare native plants, usually con- 
red of difficult cultivation : but their only fault 
is refusing to grow under conditions in no way suited 
to their nature. To domesticate these choice wild- 
lines, and to have them bloom under your own care 
in greater perfection than in their native haunts, 
is a triumph of floriculture which few achieve. Y t 

— is not difficult, and a little stud} 
the requirements of each plant will enable on I 
attain it. 

Plants that naturally grow in the rich humus of 
old woods, rooting in the deep leaf-mould, or that 
find congenial soil in shady swamps, will not thrive 
transplanted to common garden soil and exp - I 
in full stmshine. 

7* 



154 HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 

For such and for many others the edges of Rho- 
dodendron-beds are suitable situations : they there 
have moisture, depth of soil, and partial shade, and 
seldom refuse to reward the grower. 

We propose to enumerate a few of the plants that 
have succeeded with us under such cultivation, in 
the hope that others may repeat the experiment, 
deriving therefrom a pleasure equal to our own. 

The Hepatica. 

Almost the first flower of spring, following hard 
upon the snowdrop and bulbocodium, and often 
opening before the crocus, — can there be a more 
charming blossom ? 

Pretty as our wild species is, the garden varieties 
of the European type are far more showy ; and 
transplanted, in our cold and backward spring, are 
true to their nature, blooming long before plants 
born in our own woods unfold their delicate flowers. 

Earliest of all is the double red Hepatica, per- 
haps the most charming of spring blossoms, a 
sparkling little flower, already in bloom in sunny 
spots when the early April days betoken spring, and 
blooming on till May. Then follow our pretty sin- 
gle blue, pink, and white native varieties, with the 
single red, the mauve QH. Barloivii), and the rare 
white, with red stamens. Last, but no whit less 
beautiful, comes the double blue ; and that latest 
acquisition, the Hungarian H. angidosa, with large, 
deep-lobed leaves and sky-blue flowers, an inch in 
diameter. 



HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 155 

But where can we find all these ? many will ask ; 
and out of our own garden we should be at a loss 
where to seek for them. We know of no florist of 
this country who can supply an order ; yet these 
plants should be grown by thousands, and be as 
cheap and as common as violets. 

In England they are very cheap ; and a few shil- 
lings will buy a dozen plants, well rooted in pots, 
and all ready to put out in the border. Like all 
spring-blooming plants, they should be imported in 
the autumn, wintered in a cold frame, and trans- 
planted to the border in early spring. 

If imported in spring, they usually make a rank 
growth in the cases, which perishes when the plants 
are set out ; and, as no second growth is made, the 
plant dies. 

For years we lost all our spring-imported plants ; 
but since we have imported in autumn, it is seldom 
we lose a plant. 

All the Hepaticas are natives of Europe and 
North America. They are low-growing plants, with 
evergreen, lobed leaves, and thrive well in any deep 
garden soil. 

Our native varieties, transplanted from the woods, 
grow freely, and soon form large clumps. 

All the varieties are worth growing. Had we to 
choose one, it would be the double red, as it has the 
most brilliant flowers, blooms earlier than the others, 
and more readily accommodates itself to various 
soils and exposures ; but we should be loath to give 
up any. 

The Hungarian H. angulosa is the largest species, 



156 HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 

and a very showy plant : it proves hardy with us, 
and no choice collection should be without it. 

Hepaticas do not require Rhododendron soil, but 
thrive wonderfully in the sunny edges of Rhododen- 
dron-beds, blooming gayly in early April, when the 
Kalmia glauca, the Cassandra, Rhodora, and Dauric 
Rhododendron begin to open their blossoms, and 
all the year are ornamental from their neat, ever- 
green foliage. 

The only culture, when once planted, is to let 
them alone : they are impatient of disturbance and 
of extremes of drought and moisture. 

In winter we lay an evergreen bough over the 
plants to protect the foliage from the sun, but this 
is not necessary. They are propagated by division 
in early spring. 

To all we say, Grow hepaticas, even if the garden 
is but a few feet square. They occupy little room, 
and, are the sunniest, the brightest, the most cheery 
children of the floral world. 

The Sanguinaria. 

The Bloodroot ($. canadensis), a well-known 
native plant, thrives perfectly in the garden. 
Transplanted from the woods to a deep, rich soil, 
the flowers increase in size and in the number of 
petals, and ripen seed freely, which often sows 
itself. 

It is curious to watch this plant in the early days 
of spring : a few hours will often be sufficient to 
expand the snowy blossoms, and to spread the count- 
less yellow stamens to the sun. 



HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 157 

The leaves, which at first enwrap the flower, grow 
very large, and protect the seed-pods until they 
ripen. 

There is but one species, and there are no well 
defined varieties ; though on some plants the flowers 
are larger than on others, and the stamens show a 
disposition to be converted into petals. 

A sunny nook in the garden is well filled with 
this plant, which in deep, rich soil thrives without 
care, and blooms freely every spring. 

The Jeffersonia. 

The only species, J. diphylla, bears a pretty white 
flower in early April, somewhat resembling that of 
the bloodroot. The leaves and foot-stalks are blu- 
ish-green, and the whole plant is glabrous : from the 
leaves folding together in two equal parts, the popu- 
lar name " Twinleaf " is derived. The seed-capsule 
is very curious, opening by a hinged lid when the 
seed is ripe. 

This is rather a rare plant, and is not found wild 
in New England. In cultivation, it grows freely in 
any good garden soil, and is easily propagated by 
division. 

The Caltha. 

Early in spring the bright yellow blossoms of 
the Marsh Marigold ( C. palustris) are very conspic- 
uous in wet meadows, and the leaves are sold in the 
markets as " water cresses." In cultivation, the 



158 HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 

plant is valuable as an early flower, and does not 
require a wet soil, but easily domesticates itself if 
planted in good loam. 

The double variety, which is not uncommon, is 
very showy, lasting long in bloom, and is very bril- 
liant in color. 

O. parnassifolia and radicans are also pretty 
exotic species. 

All are easily propagated by division. 

The Dentaria. 

The Toothworts are pretty little, spring-blooming 
plants, with delicate foliage and white or purple 
flowers. They are easily cultivated in rich loam, 
and, though rather inconspicuous, occupy little room, 
and take care of themselves. We have grown one 
species for years, in a sheltered nook of a Rhodo- 
dendron-bed, and admire it the more each spring. 

The species, which are D. dipliylla, lacinata, 
maxima, myltifida, and heterophylla, much resemble 
each other in flower. 

Propagated by division in spring. 

The Anemone. 

All of the hardy species of these favorite plants 
thrive in Rhododendron soil. We have already 
described the Hepatica, which is only a sub-genus of 
Anemone, as one of the most desirable of spring flow- 
ers ; and many other species, although not such early 
bloomers, are most ornamental and attractive. 



HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 159 

We are all familiar with the wild Anemone of our 
woods (A. nemorosa), varying in color from pure 
white to deep pink or purple, and tinted like some 
delicate sea-shell ; but we have not all grown this 
charming flower in the garden, and watched it day 
by day, from the first moment the dark foliage 
breaks through the ground until the delicate blos- 
som nods in the spring breezes. This is easy to do ; 
for the plant does well in any light, rich loam, 
increasing rapidly by its slender root-stocks, and 
carpeting the ground with rich foliage, spangled with 
lovely blossoms. We have only to transplant it and 
let it alone, and year after year it will reward us 
with a profusion of blossoms. The double varieties, 
both white and pink, we have in our garden : both 
are very charming and attractive, and grow as freely 
as the species. An allied plant is the Rue-leaved 
Anemones (A thalictroides, or Thalictrum aneme- 
noides'), found both in the single and double varie- 
ties, pure white, very showy, quite as easy to 
cultivate, and very desirable, not only for the flower, 
but also for the delicate foliage. 

Anemone apennina, although a native of Italy, 
proves hardy with us ; but we have been someAvhat 
disappointed in its proving a very shy bloomer. The 
flowers are blue, and very showy. 

The English A. ramaicittoides, with yellow, butter- 
cup-like flowers, is precariously hardy, and has not 
with us proved a satisfactory plant. 

A. narcissiflora, a charming European species, is 
perfectly hardy, and produces its white flowers in 
great profusion. 



160 HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 

A. pennsylvanica is a tall-growing species, bloom- 
ing in summer, and, although a little coarse, is a 
desirable plant. We prefer it, however, in good 
garden soil, rather than in a Rhododendron-bed, as 
it spreads rapidly and soon appropriates every thing 
to itself. 

The sub-genus, Pulsatilla, contains several species 
of spring-blooming plants, with dull purple flowers : 
in bloom they are not very showy, but the long- 
tailed heads of seed are ornamental. 

No species, however, can compare with the Japan 
Anemone, and its hybrid Honorine Joubert, probably 
a cross between A. japonica and the Nepalese A. viti- 
folici. The species and a variety, A. j. speciosa, 
have reddish-pink flowers in October, and are very 
desirable autumn-blooming plants ; but the hybrid is 
the best flower of autumn. The foliage is large and 
showy, deep green and of vigorous growth ; the plant 
tall ; the flowers very large, pure white with yellow 
centre, and produced in great abundance. It is 
perfectly hardy, and easily propagated by division; 
indeed, each little piece of the root will make a 
plant. 

We know of no more charming flower to place 
here and there in open spots among Rhododendrons. 
The flower shows well on the dark background of 
foliage, and lends it an additional charm : from the 
middle of September until cut off by late frosts the 
plant is a mass of flower. 

If we had only the genus Anemone to ornament 
the spring garden, we might be content ; for it con- 
tains many species, which vary greatly in appear- 



HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 161 

ance. All are not hardy, but frame protection is 
sufficient to preserve them through the winter ; and 
they well repay the trouble. Many hardy species 
are rarely found in cultivation in this country ; but a 
few shillings will import a choice assortment from 
Europe, where both florists and amateurs fully 
appreciate the beauty of these charming plants. 

The Claytonia. 

Two of the species, 0. virginica and caroliniana, 
are pretty, spring-blooming plants, which succeed 
well in any deep, rich soil. The root is a small 
tuber, from which in early spring a slender stem 
arises, bearing two leaves, and terminated by a 
raceme of delicate pink blossoms, deeply veined with 
darker shades. 

Plants procured from the woods and once estab- 
lished take care of themselves, and increase both by 
root and seed. 

The Scilla. 

All the exotic Squills are better suited to the bulb 
border than the Rhododendron-bed, as they require 
rather a light and sandy soil. 

The best is S. sibirica, with deep blue flowers in 
early spring : a plant which is worth every trouble 
to have in perfection. 

A clump of this is in place anywhere in the gar- 
den, and it would be difficult to name a more spark- 
ling floral gem. 



162 HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 

The Squill of the western prairies, S. Fraseri, 
needs a deep, rich soil. 

The flower is whitish-blue, and very pretty. It 
flowers freely, and once introduced needs no further 
care ; and, if easily obtained, is well worth growing. 

The Oamassia. 

The only species, C. esculenta, is a small bulbous 
plant, with leaves somewhat resembling a hyacinth, 
and a tall spike of a dozen or more showy purple 
flowers. It is, with us, a rare plant, though on our 
north-western coast it is so abundant as to form 
the chief food of the Indians. It succeeds in 
deep, rich soil, and flowers in May. Our plants 
were imported from England. It proves perfectly 
hardy. 

The Oxalis. 

The common wild Oxalis of our northern woods 
(O. Acetosella'), which often carpets the ground for 
miles, is familiar to all White Mountain tourists. 
It is a delicate little plant, pretty in foliage and its 
white, veined blossoms, and increases rapidly by its 
creeping root-stocks. It takes kindly to cultivation, 
and if placed in a congenial soil soon covers the 
ground. 

There is, however, another species, rare in New 
England, which is a very beautiful plant, and quite 
as easy of domestication. O. violacea is a little 
bulb, with clover-like leaves and charming purple 
flowers. 



HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 163 

None of the exotic species are prettier than this, 
and none more desirable. It is perfectly hardy, 
grows freely, and flowers profusely in the latter part 
of May. 

The Erythronium. 

The " Dog-tooth Violet," which is no violet at all, 
but rather a lily, is a very pretty, spring-blooming 
plant. The exotic species, in its many varieties, is 
showy both in foliage and flower. Our native 
species, though not so showy, are no less interest- 
ing. The most common are E. americanum and E. 
albidum, with yellow and white flowers respectively: 
the former is more showy both in foliage and flower. 
Both are small plants, with lily-like foliage, springing 
from small, deep-rooting bulbs, and bear handsome 
nodding flowers. They are a little capricious in 
cultivation, and seldom succeed in common garden 
soil. In the deep loam of the Rhododendron-bed 
they grow freely, and seldom fail to bloom. 

The yellow species is very common, and may 
easily be procured ; but the white-flowered must be 
sought on the western prairies. 

The AristEma. 

A. triphi/Uum, commonly known as " Jack in the 
Pulpit," or " Indian Turnip," is a common plant in 
rich, damp woods. It is curious in flower, orna- 
mental in foliage, and very showy in fruit. 

A place should be found for it in the garden, and 
no situation will suit it better than the rich, deep 



164 HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 

soil of a Rhododendron-bed, where it will also find 
congenial shade. In such a situation it will attain 
wonderful size, and seldom fail to ripen the showy 
scarlet fruit. 

A. Dracontium, also hardy, is not so showy a 
species, but is worth growing in a collection. 

There are many pretty exotic species, but none 
have proved hardy with us. 

The Pachysandra. 

This curious plant is of very easy culture, grow- 
ing and flowering freely in any rich, damp soil. 

The flowers are greenish or purplish white, and 
peculiarly scented. The foliage is coarse, deep green, 
perennial. For covering the surface, this plant is 
well adapted, though as especially ornamental it is 
not to be recommended. 

The species is P. procumbens, a native of moun- 
tains in the Southern States, and perfectly hardy. 

The variegated-leaved variety is very pretty, but 
seems somewhat more tender than the species. 

The Dodecatheon. 

The " American Cowslip," or " Shooting Star," 
is not uncommon in gardens. It is a singularly 
elegant plant in the wild form, and some of the 
seedlings raised in cultivation are among the hand- 
somest of spring flowers. It grows in any rich, 
moist soil, and is easily increased by seed or division. 
In color the flowers vary from white to deep red 
or purple. The species is D. Meadia. 



HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 165 

A form from our north-western coast (D. Jeffrey- 
anum) is a far larger plant, with large, dark green 
foliage, and tall scapes of deep pink flowers. 

The Trientalis. 

A pretty little plant, with starry white blossoms, 
springing from the centre of a whorl of light green 
leaves, is the "Star Flower" (T. americana). It 
grows readily in any damp, rich soil, and if given a 
shady situation is well worth cultivating. 

The Mitella. 

No better plant for covering the surface of the 
ground can be found than the common Mitella 
(M. diphylla). The foliage, though not especially 
showy, is neat ; and the racemes of delicate white 
flowers are very elegant. 

The plant blooms freely, spreads rapidly, and 
requires no care. 

M. nada is a very small species, with delicate 
greenish flowers. 

The Tiarella. 

This plant ( T. cor dif olid) is not so showy as the 
Mitella, which it much resembles, but is equally 
useful as a low-spreading plant. The flowers are 
white. 

Both this and the Mitella are easily obtained 
from the woods, and soon adapt themselves to 
cultivation. 



166 HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 



The Helonias. 

H. bullata is a very rare and beautiful native 
plant, growing naturally in clamp meadows, and 
thriving in cultivation in any deep, moist soil. The 
leaves are lanceolate, radical, spreading flat on the 
ground, evergreen. The flowers are clustered on a 
tall spike, and are of a purplish-pink, turning green 
as they facie. It is a flower seldom seen in cultiva- 
tion, and finds a congenial soil in a Rhododendron- 
bed, where it will flower freely every spring. 

The Clintoxia. 

The large, shining leaves of Clintonia borealis are 
very conspicuous in low woods. The flower is green- 
ish, and on examination very pretty ; but the berry, 
which is bright blue, is, after the foliage, the most 
attractive part of the plant. 

There is no difficulty in cultivating this plant, as 
it grows rapidly, and with us flowers more freely 
than in the wild state. The foliage is strikingly 
handsome, and this alone should entitle it to culti- 
vation. 

C. innbellata is a rarer species, with white flowers 
speckled with green or purplish dots, which we have 
not seen. 

The Cornus. 

C. canadensis, the " Bunch-berry " of our north- 
ern woods, is another plant more charming in fruit 



HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 167 

than in flower. The root is woody ; the flowers, or 
rather floral involucre, greenish-white; the berries 
brilliant scarlet, and very showy. This plant does 
well in any good, rich soil, and flowers freely; but 
with us fails to set its berries, for which, as yet, we 
have not been able to discover a reason. It is worth 
growing, however, for the flowers alone. 
Easily obtained from the woods. 

The Convallaria. 

The Lily of the Valley ( C. majalis) is too well 
known to require description, and we need use no 
argument to find a place for it in the flower garden. 
It is in place everywhere, in beds by itself, rambling 
through the grass, or carpeting the ground under 
trees. For delicacy, beauty, and fragrance, it has no 
superior. In a Rhododendron-bed there is danger 
of its growing too luxuriantly and injuring the other 
plants, but if kept within bounds it may be used 
with good effect. When it sets its scarlet berries it 
is very showy. 

The varieties with double flowers, and with single 
and double rose-colored flowers, are only desirable 
in a collection: in the latter the color is a dirty 
pink, and not attractive ; all are, however, very 
fragrant. 

The variegated-leaved kinds, especially that with 
golden-striped foliage, are very handsome, but are 
not common. They are well worth growing, as the 
variegation is handsome and permanent. 

The Solomon's Seal (Polygonatimi), and (Smila- 
cina), and the Bellworts (TJvularid) are all very 



168 HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 

pretty plants, and should find place in the garden if 
possible. The best for surface covering is Smilacina 
bifolia, with shining foliage, fragrant, white flowers, 
and red berries. All these are readily obtained from 
the woods. 

The Ficaria. 

This genus is closely allied to Ranunculus, indeed 
by some is combined with it. The flowers of the 
common species, F. ranunculoides, greatly resemble 
small buttercups ; but they open only in sunshine, 
and bloom earlier in the spring. The roots are 
small tubers, from which spring glossy green leaves, 
followed by the bright flowers in early May. In a 
few weeks the foliage fades and dies away, and the 
plant disappears until the next spring. The double 
variety is a rarer and more showy plant, and the 
white-flowered variety is seldom found. All are 
well worth growing, and increase rapidly by multi- 
plication of the tubers. They only require common 
garden soil. 

The Ranunculus. 

Of the Buttercups the only one we can recom- 
mend for a choice collection is the " Fair Maids of 
France " (R. aconitifolias flore pleno). 

It is a delicate plant, with fine-cut foliage and 
pretty double, white flowers. Although not uncom- 
mon, it has an ugly way of dying out, and is one of 
those plants which, unless great care is taken, is 



HERBACEOUS. PLANTS. 169 

often lost. It should be grown in rich, damp soil, 
and not be allowed to dry up. 

The Hellebore. 

The best of the Hellebores is the " Christmas Rose " 
QH. niger), a plant by no means so well known as 
its merits deserve. It is the best winter flower 
we have ; and by covering, the plant with a cold 
frame, to keep the snow from crushing it, may be 
gathered any day from November to April. It is 
attractive both in foliage and flower : the former is 
large, deep-cut, dark shining evergreen ; the latter 
measure from one to two inches in diameter, are 
white, often tinged with pink, single, and full of 
bright golden stamens. 

Cold has no effect upon them : if frozen hard, they 
thaw out uninjured. The plant is perennial, and 
requires a deep, moist soil, where it will not dry up 
in summer. 

When once planted, it should not be disturbed, 
as it does not transplant readily, and takes long to 
become well established. 

H. fcetidus, a native of England, is showy in 
foliage and flower, but with us has not proved 
hardy. 

IT. viridis, which much resembles it, but is a 
smaller plant, is hardy, and is naturalized in some 
parts of the country. 

H. olympicus is a beautiful species from India, 
with pinkish flowers, figured in Bot. Reg. 28, t. 58. 
It is not quite hardy, but by covering the plants 
with a frame we winter them successfully. 

8 



170 HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 

H. atrorubens and odor us, natives of Hungary, 
are also a little tender. 

Figured in Bot. Mag. t. 4581. 

H. orientalis is tender even with frame protection. 

The Epimedium. 

We consider this one of the most elegant plants 
in our spring garden ; and no one who has seen the 
showy and curious blossoms of E. macranthum and 
violaceum will dispute the assertion. The foliage is 
very neat, finely toothed, and remains in full beauty 
all summer ; the flowers, which are freely produced 
in May, are singularly graceful. No description 
can give an idea of them. All the species are 
hardy perennials, and do well in any deep garden 
loam, but succeed far better in the moist, rich soil 
of a Khododendron-bed, where we grow them in 
great perfection. Of some twenty species the best 
are macranthum, pinnatum, diphyllum, with white 
flowers, and violaceum, with white and purple flow- 
ers ; all natives of Japan. 

U. alpinum is a European species, with reddish- 
yellow flowers, which increases rapidly, and is a 
good plant for covering the ground in shady places, 
or under trees : it also thrives well on rock-work. 
All the species are propagated by division ; but they 
are impatient of disturbance, and should be removed 
only when absolutely necessary, as they always are 
some years in recovering from the effect. The 
larger the clumps are the better, and the more 
showy are they in foliage and flower. 



HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 171 



The Cypripedium. 

This well-known genus of terrestrial orchids, 
commonly called Lady's Slipper, find their congenial 
home in a Rhododendron-bed ; and only in such soil 
can they be cultivated in perfection. 

The different species are among the most beauti- 
ful of our native plants; while their easy culture, the 
one requirement of soil being attended to, should 
place them among the most popular of garden 
flowers. 

Yet they are very seldom grown, and outside of 
our own garden we know of none where all the 
indigenous hardy species can be found in cultivation. 

The most common eastern species is C. acaule or 
liumiie, usually. found wild in dry sandy woods, pro- 
ducing its showy pink or purplish flowers in May. 
This species is rather difficult to domesticate ; but 
we have succeeded, by giving it a more sandy soil 
than the other species, removing it from the woods 
both in early spring just as growth was beginning, 
and in autumn when the plant was at rest. 

A variety with white flowers is rarely found. 

C. arietinum, the Rain's Head, is the rarest spe- 
cies, so rare, indeed, that many amateurs have never 
seen it in bloom. It is a small plant, ivith flowers 
which need close examination to reveal their beau- 
ties : the lip is veined red and white, the petals 
greenish-brown. It is a native of cold bogs, and if 
allowed to dry up in cultivation seldom survives. 

A shady spot in rich, damp soil is the place for it. 



172 HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 

C. parviflorum and pitbescens, the smaller and 
larger yellow Lady's Slipper, are very showy plants, 
and the easiest to cultivate. If placed in good soil, 
with an admixture of peat and sand, they increase 
rapidly, and soon form large clumps. In bloom they 
are very showy, often giving two, and sometimes 
three flowers on a stem. Although usually consid- 
ered species, they seem to run into each other. 
These plants will live in common garden soil, but 
they die out in a few years. 

C. calceolus is a European species, with yellow 
flowers, which proves with us perfectly hardy, and 
is a very desirable plant. 

Next to the Ram's Head, the smallest species is 
the white-flowered Lady's Slipper of the West ( 0. 
candidum). It is a very pretty plant, with delicate 
white flowers, the lip looking like a bird's egg. 

It flowers very freely, and takes kindly to cul- 
tivation. 

By far the finest species is 0. spectabile, a native 
of our northern woods, and one of the most showy 
of our native plants. 

It is a tall plant, growing from eighteen inches 
to two feet high, with large clasping foliage, and 
beautiful white flowers, blotched in front with 
pinkish-purple : there is also a pure white variety. 
In good soil it becomes a very conspicuous plant, 
giving from one to three flowers on a stem, and 
soon increasing so as to form a large clump. It 
blooms in July, long after the other species have 
faded. 

All the Lady's Slippers continue long in bloom, 



HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 173 

and are very ornamental : we cannot have too many 
of them. 

The best way to obtain a stock is from the woods, 
for generally florists cannot supply them. 

They may be transplanted early in the spring or 
late in the autumn, and once planted should be 
seldom disturbed. 

The Trillium. 

All the species are low -growing plants, with 
tuberous roots or root-stalks, and are remarkable 
for having all the parts of the plant in threes. 
They come up in very early spring, blossom, and 
die away in a few weeks, unless they set seed. The 
finest species is T. g-randifloriim, a very beautiful 
plant, which succeeds better in cultivation than 
most of our indigenous flowers. 

The individual blossoms are pure white, changing 
to deep rose before they fade, and in rich soils are 
often more than two inches in diameter. 

A clump of this plant is one of the most attractive 
objects in the spring garden. 

T. erectwm, a more common species, is a very 
showy plant : the flowers are dark chocolate-color. 
There is also a variety with dirty white flowers. 

T. sessile , a western species, has also dull-colored 
blossoms, but is very showy from the elegant foliage, 
which is beautifully marbled with light and dark 
green. 

T. pictum or erythrocarpum is the " Painted Tril- 
lium," and is the most difficult of all to cultivate. 



174 HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 

It grows best in pure peat, and needs a very shady 
situation. 

The flowers are white, delicately painted with 
rich lake at the base of each petal. 

T. cernuum, the " Nodding Trillium," our most 
common species, has small pinkish- white flowers, 
which nod beneath the leaves. It is not very 
showy, and will grow in any garden soil. 

There are also some Southern species. 

All the Trilliums do best in rich, deep, peaty 
loam : they are increased by seed or division, but 
are somewhat impatient of removal. They should 
be transplanted from the woods in early spring, and 
soon domesticate themselves. 

The Lily. 

All the Lilies like a deep, rich soil, except perhaps 
our wild blackberry lily, which thrives in dry sandy 
loam ; but some never display themselves in full 
beauty except in a soil in which peat has been 
mixed. 

This is especially the case with two of our native 
species, L. superbum and canadense, the drooping- 
flowered lilies of the fields, which naturally grow in 
rich meadows. These, removed to a Rhododendron- 
bed, become plants of wonderful beauty. During 
the last summer, we had about thirty specimens of 
these species, not one of which was less than five 
feet in height, each stalk giving from ten to thirty 
drooping flowers. The effect of these, rising from 
the rich foliage of the Rhododendrons, was very 



HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 175 

fine. The variety of color — for even of the same 
species no two plants are alike in shading — was 
also very pleasing. 

Another species, which is never seen in full beauty 
unless planted in Rhododendron soil, is the Purple 
Martagon. This past year bulbs of this kind, two 
years planted, threw up stalks over four feet in 
height, which produced from twenty to thirty 
flowers each. 

L. Catesbcei, the Southern Red Lily, also grows 
and blooms very freely, as do also all the varieties 
of L. umbellatum, aurantium, and croceum. The 
noble L. auratum seems to thrive better in a soil of 
peat, loam, and sand ; and we had, the last summer, 
stalks an inch in diameter and four feet high, the 
largest giving seventeen flowers from bulbs two 
years planted. 

The Japan Lilies, while blooming in the Rhodo- 
dendron-bed. do not, however, exhibit any remark- 
able luxuriance. They are, however, very effective, 
as the background of dark evergreen foliage sets off 
the large, white flowers to great advantage. 

The same may be said of the beautiful Long-flow- 
ered Lily (L. longifloruni) and the Scarlet Martagon 
(L. chalcidonicuni) ; indeed the latter does not suc- 
ceed in peat. 

The old white Lily QL. candidutii) seems also to 
prefer a lighter and more sandy soil. 

Some of the rarer species, such as L. tenuifolium, 
pumilum, and Jcamtschaticum, are very showy 
planted on the borders of Rhododendron-beds, 



176 HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 

The old Tiger Lily also does well, but is rather 
coarse, and better adapted for the shrubbery. 

There are no better plants than Lilies to mingle 
with Rhododendrons : generally sparse in foliage, 
the latter supply it ; and the showy flowers are more 
effective than when wholly unrelieved by green, as 
we usually see them. 

They grow freely, and once planted take care of 
themselves. Indeed, a Rhododendron-bed is worth 
all the trouble of making, if only to show the per- 
fection to which our native Lilies can be grown. 




INDEX. 




INDEX. 



American Cowslip, 164. 
Ammyrsine, The, 129. 
Andromeda axillaris, 140. 

5) cassinsefolia, 141. 

,, Catesbaei, 140. 

dealbata, 141. 
\\ noribunda, 139, 143. 

formosa, 142. 
,, hyp oides, 132. 

n Mariana. 142. 

,, ovata, 141. 

;; polifolia, 142. 

,, pulverulenta, 141. 

pulverulentissima, 141. 
rosmarinifolia, 142. 
55 spinulosa, 140. 

tetragona, 132. 
Anemone, The, 158. 

apennii a, 159. 
Honorine Joubert, 160. 
japonica, 160. 

, speciosa, luO. 
\\ narcissiflora, 159. 

pennsylvanica, 160. 
" ranunculoides, 159. 

thalictroides, 159. 
,, vitifolia, 160. 
Arbutus, Trailing, 133. 
Arctostaphylos, The, 132. 

?J alpina, 132. 

5 glauca, 133. 

n Uva-ursi, 132. 

Arisaema, The, 163. 

}J Dracontium, 164. 
„ triphyllum, 163. 



Azalea, The, 113. 
,, amoena, 120. 
,, arborescens, 115. 
,, calendulacea, 117. 

„ varieties, 117 

\\ Double hardy, 120. 
., general culture, 114. 
,, glauca, 117. 
\] Hardy double, 120. 
,, indica, 122. 
;; ledifolia, 121. 
,, new hardy varieties, 119. 
,, nitida. 117. 
,, nudiflora, 116. 

,, varieties of, 116. 

" obtusa, 121. 

occidentalis, 122. 
;, ovata, 122. 

phoenicea, 122. 
n pontica, 117. 

,, varieties, 117. 

,, procumbens, 123. 
sinensis, 120. 

alba, 121. 
squamata, 121. 
., viscosa, 117. 

varieties, 118. 



13. 



Bearberrv, 132. 
Bellwort, 167. 
Bitter-Sweet. 149. 
Bloodroot, 156. 
Bunch-berry, 166. 
Buttercups, 168. 

8* 



180 



INDEX. 



c. 



Calico Busli, 124. 
Calliina, The. 130. 
Caltha, The, 157. 
,, palustris, 157. 
,, parnassifolia, 158. 
,, radicans, 158. 
Camassia, The, 102. 

„ eseulenta. 1G2. 

Cassandra, The, 140. 

,, calve ulata, 140. 

,, ,, latifolia. 141. 

,, nana, 141. 

,, ,, ventricosa, 

141. 
Cassiope, The, 1-31. 

,, hypunides, 132. 

,, tetragona, 132. 
Checkerberrv. 134. 
Chimaph la,'The, 149. 

,, maculata, 149. 

,, umbellata, 149. 

Chiogenes, The. 135. 

,, hispidula, 135. 

Christmas Rose, l(i!). 
Claytonia, The. 101. 

,, caroliniana, 1G1. 

,, virginica, 101. 
Clintonia, The, lii >. 
„ borealis, 100. 
„ umbellata, 106. 
Comparative hardiness, 39. 
Convallaria, The, 167. 

,, majalis, 107. 

Cornus, The, 100. 

,, canadensis, 106. 
Cowberrv. 137. 
Cranberry, 138. 
Crowberry, 137. 
Cuttings. Propagation by, 34. 
Cypripedium, The, 171. 
,, aeaule, 171. 

,, arietinum, 171. 

,, calceolus, 172. 

,, candidum, 172. 

,, humile, 171. 

,, parviflorum, 172. 

,, pubescens, 172. 

,, spectabile, 172. 



D. 



Dabcecia. The, 130. 
Daphne, The, 143. 
,, alpina, 144. 



Daphne altaica, 144. 
,, cneorum, 143. 
,, ,, majiis, 144. 

,, ,, variegatum, 144. 

,, Laureola, 144. 
,, Mezereon, 143. 
,, pontica, 144. 
Deerberry, 138. 
Dentaria, The, 158. 
,, diphylla, 158. 
,, heterophylla, 158. 
,, lacinata, 158. 
,, maxima, 158. 
,, multifida, 158. 
Diseases of Rhododendrons, 20. 
Dodecatheon, The, 164. 

„ Jeffreyanum, 165. 

,, Meadia, 164. 

Dog-tooth Violet, 103. 
Dwarf Rhododendrons, 27. 



E. 

Empetrum, The, 137. 

,, nigrum, 137. 

Enemies of Rhododendrons, 20. 
Epigsea, The, 133. 

,, repens, 133. 
Epimedium, The, 170. 

,, alpinum, 170. 

,, diphyllum, 170. 

,, macranthum, 170. 

,, pinnatum, 170. 

,, violaeeum, 170. 

Erica herbacea, 131. 
Erythronium, The. 103. 

,, albidum, 163. 

,, americanum, 163. 



r. 

Fair Maids of France, 168. 
Ficaria, The, 168. 

,, ranunculoides, 168. 



G. 

Gaultheria, The, 134. 

,, procumbens, 134. 

,, serpvllifolia. 136. 

Shailon, 134. 
Grouping, 43. 
Gypsocallis, The, 131. 

„ carnea, 131. 



INDEX. 



181 



H. 



Hardiness, comparative, 39. 

,, of Rhododendrons, 21. 

Heather, The, 130. 
Heath, Hardy, 130. 
Helonias, The. 166. 

bullata, 106. 
Hellebore, The, 169. 
Helleborus atrorubens, 170. 
,, fcetidus, 169. 
,, niger, 169. 
,, odorus, 170. 
,, olympicus, 139. 
,, orieiitalis, 170. 
,, viridis, 109. 
Hepatica, The, 154. 

,, angulosa, 155. 
,, Barlowii, 154. 
,, dun I ile, 154. 

,, triloba, 154. 

Hillsides for Rhododendron-beds, 9. 
Honeysuckle, Wild, 116. 

,, Swamp, 110. 

Houses for winter protection, 42. 
Hybridization, 37. 
Hypericum, The, 147. 

„ calycinum, 147. 

,, Kalmianum, 147. 

„ (Jralum, 148. 



Importing Rhododendrons, 23. 
Inarching, Propagation by, 35. 
Indian Turnip, 163. 
Indoor culture of Rhododendrons, 

29. 
Insects attacking Rhododendrons, 

20. 



J. 

Jack in the Pulpit, 103. 
Jeffersonia, The, 1.57. 

,, diphylla, 157. 



K. 

Kalmia, The, 124. 

„ angustifolia, 126. 



Kalmia cuneata, 127. 

„ glauca, 120. 

„ stricta, 127. 
,, ,, superba, 127. 

„ „ rosmarinifolia, 127. 

,, hirsuta, 127. 

„ latifolia. 125. 

„ myrtilblia, 125. 



L. 

Lady's Slipper, 171. 
Lambkill, 124. 
Laurel, Great, 53, 124. 

,, Sheep, 124. 
Laurel, Spurge, 144. 
Layers. Propagation by, 33. 
Labrador Tea, 127. 
Ledum, The, 127. 

,, angustifolium, 128. 

,, buxifolium, 128. 

,, decumbens, 128. 

„ latifolium, 128. 

,, palustre, 128. 

,, thvmit'oliiim. 128. 
Leiophyllum, The, 128. 

„ buxifolium, 129. 

,, thymifolium, 129. 

Leucothoe, The, 138. 

,, axillaris, 140. 

„ Catesbasi, L39. 

,, floribunda, 138. 

,, racemosa, 140. 

,, spinulosa, 140. 

Lilium auratum, 175. 

,, aurantium, 175. 

,, eanadense, 174. 

,, ca 1 didum, 175. 

,, Catesbaei, 1 7.~>. 

,, chalcidonicum, 175. 

,, croeeum, 175. 

,, longiflorum, 175. 

,, pumilum, 175. 

,, superbum, 175. 

,, tenuifolium, 175. 
Lily, The, 174. 

„ of the Valley. 107. 

,. ,, „ varieties of, 167. 

Lilies, Japan, 175. 

,, Martagon, 175. 
Linnrea, The, 130. 

,, borealis, 136. 
Loam, 9. 

Loiseleuria, The, 123. 
Lyonia Mariana, 142. 



182 



INDEX. 



M. 

Manuring, 13. 
Manures, liquid, 14. 
Mazaneta, 133. 
Marsh Marigold, 157. 
May Flower The, 133. 
Menziesia, The, 129. 

„ coerulea, 129. 

,, ferruginea, 123. 

,, „ globularis, 

129. 
Mitella, The, 165. 
„ diphylla, 165. 
„ nuda, \m. 
Mitchella, The, 136. 

,, repens, 13G. 
Moneses, The, 149. 

,, unirlora, 149. 
Mountain Laurel, 124. 
Mulching, 12. 
Mulching, various kinds of, 13. 



N. 

New Azaleas, 119. 
„ Rhododendrons, 91-105. 



o. 

Oxalis, The, 162. 
„ Acetoseila, 162. 
„ violacea, 162. 



Pachysandra, The. 164. 

., procumbens, 164. 

Partridge berry, 136. 
Peat, 8. 
Pernettya, The, 145. 

,, angustifolia, 146. 

,, muiTonata, 116. 
Phyllodoce, The, 129. 

„ empetriformis, 130. 

„ taxifolia, 130. 

Pieris formosa, 142. 
Pinxter Flower, 116. 
Pipsissewa, 149. 

Plants imported, unpacking, 10. 
Plants imported, after treatment, 11. 
Polygonatum, The, 167. 



Polygala, The, 148. 

„ Chamaebuxus, 148. 
Preparation of the Soil, 3. 
Propagation of Rhododendrons, 33. 
Propagation of Rhododendrons, by 

cuttings, 34. 
Propagation of Rhododendrons, by 

inarching, 35. 
Propagation of Rhododendrons, by 

layers, 33. 
Propagation of Rhododendrons, by 

seed, 36. 
Protection, Avinter, of Rhododen- 
drons, 21. 
Protection, winter, by houses, 42. 
Pruning, 15. 
Pulsatilla, The, 160. 
Pyrola, The, 148. 

,, chlorantha, 149. 
„ elliptica, 149. 
,, minor, 14'). 
,, rotundifolia, 148. 
„ secunda, 149. 
,, unirlora, 149. 



R. 

Ram's Head, 171. 
Ranunculus, The, 168. 

„ aconitifolius flore pleno, 
168. 
Rhodora, The, 123. 
Rose Bay, 53. 

Rhododendrons, after flowering, 18. 
„ as parlor plants, 32. 

Rhododendron-beds, 5. 

,, „ situation, 5. 

„ „ Preparation of, 

7. 
„ „ drainage, 7. 

,, ,, Filling for, 8. 

„ „ on hillsides, 9. 

„ „ Treatment of, 

20. 
Rhododendrons, Diseases of, 20. 
,, Dwarf, 27. 

., Enemies of, 20. 

„ Forcing, 31. 

„ Grouping, 43. 

„ Habitat of, 4. 

„ Hardiness of, 21. 

,, Houses for tender, 

30. 
„ How to obtain, 24. 

,, Importing, 23. 

,, Indoor culture, 29. 



INDEX. 



183 



Rhododendrons, list of eighteen 
very fine, 108. 
,, list of twenty-live 

very fine, 108. 
„ list of late bloom- 

ing. 109. 
,, list of new, prob- 

ably hardy, 109. 
,, list of twenty-five 

very distinct, 109. 
,, list of varieties for 

Standards, 110. 
,, planting. 10. 

„ propagation, 33. 

,, seed-vessels, re- 

_ moving, 18. 
„ Standard, 25. 

„ „ planting, 

28. 
„ the best one hardy, 

107. 
„ the best three 

hardy, 107. 
,, the best six hardy, 

107. 
,, the best twelve 

hardy, 107. 
„ the best twenty 

hardy. 108. 
„ Time of covering, 

23. 
,, Time of uncover- 

ing,23. 
„ W atering, after 

flowering, 19. 
,, Wind injurious to, 

21. 
,, Winter protection 

of, 21. 
Rhododendron Achievement, 91. 
,, Aclandianum, 91. 

,, aeubaefolium, 52. 

,, acutilobum, al. 

„ aeruginosum, 71. 

,, Admiration, 91. 

,, Alaric, al. 

,, Alarm, 91. 

,, albiflorum, 59. 

„ album, 77, 91. 

„ „ elegans, 92. 

„ ,, flavum. 89. 

,, ,, grandiflorum, 

92. 
„ „ speciosum,58, 

t4. 
„ „ triumphans, 

92. 



Rhododendron Alexander Adie, 92. 

„ alstromeroides, 82. 

,, alta-clarense, 58. 

„ Amilcar, 92. 

,, Ambroise, 92. 

,, Andersoni, 92. 

„ Ange Vervaet, 92. 

„ Annihilator, 92. 

,, anthopogon, 59. 

„ April is, 82. 

„ arboreum, 56. 
,, ,, album, 57. 

„ ,, cinnamo- 

meum, 57, 87. 

,, alboreum nivcum, 57. 
,, ,, l'axtoni.57. 

,, ,, roseum, 57. 

,, ,, hybrid va- 

rieties, 58. 

,, Archeduc Etienne,92. 

,, Archimedes, 92. 

,, argenteum, 07. 

,, Ascot brilliant, 92. 

,, Athene, 93. 

,, atrosanguineum, 93. 

„ Attila, 93. 

,, Auclandii, 68. 

,, Augustus. 93. 

,, Auguste Van Geert, 

93. 

,, aureum mngnificum, 

88-89. 

„ Aurora, 93. 

„ azaleoides, 51. 

,, azureum, 93. 

,, bai'batum, G5. 

,, Barclayanum, 93. 

,, Baron Cuvier. 93. 

,, Baron esse Lionel 
Rothschild, 93. 

,, Batemani, 77. 

„ Bertie Parsons, 93. 

,, Bianca, 89. 

,, bicolor, 93. 

„ Bijou de Gaud, 93. 

,, blanche superbe, 93. 

,, blandfordianum, 77. 

,, blandum, 52. 

,, Blandyanum, 93. 

„ Blattemn, 93. 

,, Boothii, 77. 

,, Brabantia, 94. 

,, Brayanuin, 9-4. 

,, Brennus, 94. 

,, Brilliant, 94. 

., Brookianum, 78. 

„ Brouiihtoni, 94. 



184 



INDEX. 



Rhododendron Brutus, 94. 

,, Burlingtonii, 89. 

,, Bylsianum, 94. 

„ californicum, 56. 

,, calophyllum, 78. 

,, camelligeflorum, 73. 

,, campanulatum, 59. 

su- 
perbum, 60. 
,, Campbellise, 66. 

,, campy locarpum, 74. 

,, candelabrum, 74. 

„ candidissimurn, 94. 

„ „ (Par- 

son's), 94. 
,, candidum, 94. 

,, carneum, 83. 

„ „ versicolor, 

89. 
,, Caractacus, 94. 

,, < lartoni, 83. 

,, Catawbiense, 90. 

,, ,, bvbrids, 

91-106. 
„ caucasicum, 60. 

„ caucasicum album, 

60. 
,, caucasicum arbo- 

reum, 81. 
,, caucasicum Noble- 

anum, 61. 
,, caucasicum pulcher- 

l'iinum. 60. 
caucasicum strami- 
neum, 60. 
,, chamaeeistus, 63. 

„ Championse, 76. 

,, Chancellor, 9-4. 

„ Charles Bagley, 94. 

,, Charles Dickens, 94. 

,, cheiranthifolium, 51. 

„ chionoides, 94. 

„ Climax. 95. 

„ Chloe, 95. 

,, chrysanthum, 61. 

„ ciliatum, 72. 

,, roseo album, 
7-2. 
„ cinnabarinum, 66. 

palli- 
dum, 66. 
v citrinum, 75. 

„ Cliveanum, 95. 

,, Clowesianum, 95. 

„ coelestinum, 95. 

„ coelestinum grandi 

riorum, 95. 



Rhododendron ccelestinmn pictum, 




95. 


55 


coerulescens, 95. 


55 


Columbus, 95. 


55 


Comtesse Ferdinand 




Visant, 88. 


5> 


concessum, 95. 


55 


congestum aureum, 




89. 


55 


congestum roseum, 




95. 


55 


Comet, 95. 


5) 


Comte de Gomer, 95. 


55 


coriaceum, 95. 


55 


Correggio, 95. 


55 


Countess of Devon, 




95. 


55 


Countess of Hadding- 




ton, 88. 


55 


crispiflorum, 51. 


5) 


cruentum, 95. 


55 


Cunningham's 




Dwarf White, 17, 




32, 50. 


55 


cupreum, 89. 


55 


Currieanum, 96. 


55 


Dalbousire, 65. 


5) 


daphnoides, 88. 


55 


dauricum, 55. 


5) 


dauricum atrovirens, 




55. 


»» 


dauricum semper- 




virens, 55. 


55 


Decorator, 96. 


55 


delicatissimum, 96. 




deiicatum aureum, 




89. 


55 


Deni?onii, 84. 


55 


Desdemo a, 96. 


•5 


Dona Maria, 96. 


55 


Dorkinsii, 96. 


5) 


Double Flowering, 




52-53. 


5) 


Due de Brabant, 96. 


55 


Ducbess de Nassau, 




96. 


55 


Ducbess of Suther- 




land. 96. 


55 


Duke of Cambridge, 




96. 




Duke of Norfolk, 96 


5 j 


E. C. Baring, 96. 


55 


Edgeworthi, 71. 




Edward S. Rand, 96. 


55 


ehea^noides, 67. 


55 


Elfrida, 96. 


51 


Eminent, 96. 



INDEX. 



185 



Rhododendron erectum, 07. 

,, Etendard de Flan- 

dres 97. 
„ Etoile de Villiers, 97. 

„ Everestianum, 97. 

,, Falconeri, G7. 

,, Farrerae, 70. 

,, fastuosum flore 

plellO, 97. 

., Faust, 97. 

„ ferrugineum, 62. 

,, ferrugineum album, 

03." 

„ Fleur de Flaridres, 97. 

., „ Marie, 97. 

,, formosum, 74, 89. 

„ Fortuni, 82. 

,, fragrans, 86. 

,, Francis Dickson, 97. 

„ fid-ens, 72. 

,, gemmiferum, 97. 

„ General Cabrera, 97. 

„ Genseric, 97. 

„ Georgianum, 97. 

„ Gibsoni, 75. 

„ giganteum, 97. 

,, glaucum, 70. 

,, Glennyanum, 98. 

,, gloriosum, 89, 98. 

„ Gloire de Bellevue, 

98. 

„ Govenianum, 87. 

„ Grand Due de Bade, 

85. 

„ grande, 78. 

,, grandiflorum, 98. 

,, Griffithianum, 78. 

„ Guido, 98. 

„ Gulnare, 98. 

,, guttatum, 5 ; 1. 

„ Hannibal, 98. 

„ Hendersoni, 98. 

„ Henrv Bessamer, 98. 

„ Hester, 98. 

„ II.IL Hunnewell, 98. 

., hirsutum, 62. 

,, hirsutum variega- 

tum, 62. 

,, Hodgsoni, 09. 
Hogarth, 98. 

,, Hookeri, 79. 

„ H. W. Sargent, 98. 

„ hybrids, 82-89. 

„ hybridum, 87. 

„ hyacinthiflorum, 52. 

Iago, 98. 

„ Ingrami, 98. 



Rhododendron James Bateman, 98. 

,, James Nasmyth, 98. 

,, James Mcintosh, 99. 

,, J. Marshall Brooks, 

99. 

,, jasminiflorum, 75. 

,, j avan ici'im, 75. 

,, javanicum aurantia- 

cmn, 75. 

,, Jenkinsii, 89. 

,, John Spencer, 99. 

,, John Waterer, Mil. 

„ Johnsonianum, 99. 

„ Joseph Whitworth, 

99. 

,, kamtschaticum, 63. 

,, Kendrickii, 79. 

,, Kevsii, 79. 

„ Ladv Annette de 

Trafford, 99. 

., Lady Armstrong, 99. 

,. Lady Clermont, 99. 

„ Ladv Dorothy Ne- 

ville, 99. 

„ Ladv Eleanor Cath- 

eart, 99. 

„ Lady Emily Peel, 99. 

,, Lady Falmouth, 99. 

,. Lady Godiva, 99. 

,, lanatum, 70. 

„ Lee's Purple, 99. 

,. Ladv Frances Cross- 

ley, 99. 

,, lancifolium, 65. 

,,- lapponicum. 03. 

,, Lefevreanum, 100. 

,, Leviathan, 100. 

,, Leopardi, 100. 

,, lepidotum, 68. 

,, limbatum, 100. 

,, Lobbianum, 81. 

„ Londinense, 100. 

„ Lord Clyde, 100. 

,, Lord John Russell, 

100. 

„ Lowii, 51, 100. 

,, lucidum, 100. 

„ Lucy Neal, 100. 

,, macranthum, 100. 

,, macranthum flavum, 

89. 

,, maculatum grandi- 

florum, 100. 

., maculatum nigrum, 

100. 

„ maculatum purpu- 

reum, 101. 



186 



INDEX. 



Rhododendron maculatum rubrum, 
101. 

„ maculatum super- 

bum, 101. 

„ Madame Carvalho, 

101. 

„ Madame Picouline, 

£6. 

„ Madame Wagner, 86. 

„ Madame Van Houtte, 

85. 

„ Maddeni, 70. 

„ magnum bonum, 101. 

„ Marc Antony, 101. 

„ marginato puncta- 

tum, 101. 

,, maximum, 53. 

,, maximum, varieties 

of, 54. 

„ Metaphor, 101. 

„ Metternichi, 76. 

„ Michael Waterer, 101. 

„ Milnei, 101. 

„ Minnie. 101. 

,, minus, 61 

,, mirandum, 101. 

„ moulmaynense, 79. 

„ Mt. Blanc, 101. 

„ Mr. John Penn, 101. 

„ .Mrs. Fitzgerald, 101. 

Mrs. G. H. W. Hen- 
cage. 102. 

„ Mrs. John Clutton, 

102. 

„ Mrs. John "Waterer, 

102. 

„ Mrs. Milner, 102. 

„ Mrs. Sam Mendel, 

102. 

„ Mrs. Joseph Shuttle- 

worth, 102. 

„ Mrs. R. S. Holford, 

102. 

„ Mrs. Thos. Brassey, 

102. 

„ Mrs. Thomas Wain, 

102. 

,, multi maculatum, 51. 

„ Murillo, 102. 

„ myrtifolium, 88. 

„ Neige et Cerise, 102. 

„ Neilsoni, 103. 

,, Nereus, 103. 

„ Ne Phis Ultra, 103. 

„ Nero, 103. 

„ nigrescens, 103. 

„ Nilagiricum, 74. 



Rhododendron nivale, 72. 

,, nivaticum, 52. 

,, niveum, 68. 

,, Nobleanum, 61. 

„ Nuttallii, 80. 

,, obovatum, 68. 

,, oculissimum. 103. 

„ Old Port, 103. 

,, omniguttatum, 86. 

,, Onslowianum, 103. 

„ ornatum, 8J, 103. 

,, ornatissimum, 103. 

„ Othello, 103. 

„ Othello (Van 

Houtte). 85. 
,, ovatum, 88. 

,, papilionaceum, 103. 

„ Pardoleton, 103. 

„ Paxtoni, 103. 

,, pelargoniflorum, 103. 

,, pendulum, 69. 

„ Perfection, 103. 

,, Perrieanum, 103. 

,, perspicuum, 103. 

„ pictum, 51, 103. 

,, ponticum album, 51. 

,, ponticum rlore pleno, 

52. 
,, ponticum hybrids, 

50-53. 
,, ponticum, 49. 

,, ponticum, golden- 

leaved, 50. 
,, ponticum roseum, 

52. 
„ ponticum, silver- 

leaved, 50. 
„ ponticum, variegated, 

50. 
,, ponticum, varieties, 

50-53. 
„ Poussin, 103. 

,, precox, 83. 

,. President van den 

Hecke, 104. 
„ primulinum elegans, 

89. 
„ Prince Albert, 104. 

,, Prince Camille de 

Rohan, 104. 
„ Prince Eugene, 104. 

,, Prince of AY ales 

(Rollinson's), 83. 
,, Prince of Wales 

(Young's), 104. 
,, Princess Mary of 

Cambridge, 104. 



INDEX. 



187 



Rhododendron Princess Alexandra, 

84. 
„ Princess Alice, 85. 

,, Princess Helena, 85. 

,, Princess of Wales, 

104. 
,, pumilum, 69. 

,, punctatum, 61, 89. 

,, purpureuni elegans, 

104. 
,, purpureum crispum, 

104. 
,, purpureum grandi- 

florum, 104. 
,, Purshii, 54. 

„ Purity, 104. 

,, Raphael, 104. 

,, Reedianum, 104. 

,, retusum, 80. 

„ Rosabel, 104. 

,, roseo album, 72. 

,, rosenm elegans, 104. 

,, roseuni grandirlorum, 

104. 
,, rosenm pictum, 104. 

,, rosenm superbum, 

104. 
„ Rovlii, 60. 

„ R. "8. Field, 104. 

,, Rubens, 105. 

,, Russellianum, 58. 

,, salicifolium, 51. 

,, saligneum, 71. 

,, salmono roseum, 105. 

,, Schiller, 1U5. 

,, Scipio, 105. 

,, Sesteriannm, 84. 

,, setosum, 71. 

,, Shepherdii, 80. 

,, Sherwoodianum,105. 

,, Sidney Herbert, 105. 

,, Sii; - ismimd Rucker, 

105. 
7 , Sikkim species, 65- 

74. 
,, Sir Charles Napier, 

105. 
,, Sir Isaac Newton, 

105. 
„ Sir James Clark, 105. 

„ Sir John Thwaites, 

105. 
„ Sir Robert Peel, 105. 

„ Sir Thos. Seabright, 

105. 
,, Sir \\ r m. Armstrong, 

105 



Rhododendron Smithii, 80. 

,, Smithii coccinea, 53. 

,, Souvenir de Jean 
Byls, 105. 

,, speciosum, 105. 

,, splendens, 105. 

,, Stamfordianum, 105. 

,, Standard of Fland- 
ers, 106. 

,, Standishii, 106. 

,, Stella, 106. 

,, Sultana, 100. 

,, Surprise, 106. 

,, The Grand Arab, 
106. 

,, The Sim of Auster- 
litz, 106. 

,, The Gem, 100. 

,, The Queen, 106. 

,, The Warrior, 106. 

,, Thibaudiense, 81. 

,, Thoinsoni, 69. 

,, Titian, 106. 

,, Torlonianum, 87. 

,, tortulosnm, 52. 

,, Towardii, 106. 

,, trirlornm, 70. 

,, undulatnm, 58. 

,, vaccmioides, 67. 

,, Vandyke, 106. 

,, Veichianum, 81. 

,, Verschalfeltii, 106. 

,, Vervaneanum, 53. 

,, Vesuvius, 106. 

,, vestitum coccineum, 
106. 

,, Victoria (Pince's). 
100. 

,, Victoria, 106. 

,, virgatum, 73. 

,, Wallichii, 66. 

,, Wellsianum, 54. 

,, Wightii, 73. 

,, Wilsoni, 83. 

,, Wm. Downing, 106. 

,, Windsorii, 81. 

s. 

Sand, 9. 
Sanguinaria, The, 156. 

,, canadensis, 156. 

Scilla, The, 161. 

,, Fraseri, 162. 

,, siberica, 161. 
Seed. Propagation by, 36. 



188 



INDEX. 



Shooting Star, 164- 
Skimmia, The, 144. 

„ japonica, 145. 

,, obiata, 145. 

Smilacina, The, 167. 

„ bifolia, 1G8. 

Soil, Mode of mixing, 9. 

,, Preparation of, 3. 
Solomon's Seal, 167. 
Spooirwood, 124. 
Squill, The, 101. 
St. Johns- wort, 147. 
Standard Rhododendrons, 25. 
Standard Rhododendrons, planting, 

26. 
Star Flower, 165. 



T. 



Tan for mulching, 13. 
Thalictrum anemenoides, 159. 
Tiarella, The, 165. 

,, eordifolia, 165. 
Time of covering Rhododendrons, 

23. 
Time of uncovering Rhododendrons, 

23. 
Toothwort, 158. 
Transplanting, 16. 

Season for, 17. 
Trientalis, The, 165. 

,, amerieana, 165. 

Trillium, The, 173. 
,, cernuum, 174. 
,, erectum, 173. 
,, erythrocarpum, 173. 



Trillium grandiflorum, 173. 

,, pictum, 173. 

,, sessile, 173. 
Twin Berry, 136. 
Twinleaf, 157. 



u. 

Unpacking imported plants, 10. 
Uvularia, The, 167. 



V. 



Vaccineum, The, 137. 

,, macroearpon, 138. 

,, oxy coccus, 138. 

,, stamineum, 138. 

,, Vitis-Idsea, 137. 

„ „ majns, 138. 

w. 

Watering after planting, 11. 

Wild Honeysuckle, 116. 

Wind injurious to Rhododendrons, 

21. 
Wintergreen, The, 148. 
Winter protection, Houses for, 42. 

z. 

Zenobia, The, 141. 
,, speciosa, 141. 



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